Val d'Isere Ski Resort
ABOUT VAL D'ISERE, FRANCE
Val d'Isere offers the whole package: a quintessential mountain town surrounded by the kind of tall, jagged peaks, endless vertical and superior terrain that can only be found in the French Savoie Alps. It’s also home to many Olympic champions including legendary gold medalist Jean-Claude Killy, best known for his award of the Triple Crown of Alpine Skiing when he swept all three gold medals for the downhill races in the 1968 Olympic Games. The ski area, which is one of the largest in France, is linked with Tignes creating the formerly named “L’Espace Killy,” but now known as Tignes-Val d’Isere Resort. There are 186 miles of marked runs for every level of skier, as well as ample off-piste and untracked powder for the expert.
On a Val d’Isere ski vacation, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover that "the authentic skiers' village,” manages incredible harmony between modern tourism and local chalet-style architecture. This posh little village, which sits at over 6,000 feet, has been host to inhabitants since before the 11th century and became a fully operational ski resort after World War II. As host to some events of the '92 Winter Olympics, more polish was added to an already magnificent gem, and it now enjoys a reputation as one of France’s top-shelf resorts.
Après ski is one of the things Val d'Isere does best, known in particular for its iconic on-mountain restaurant: La Folie Douce. The spot is comprised of several bars and eateries in one and can cater to a sit-down experience or a celebration that includes dancing on the tables after a day on the slopes. Part of the location's appeal is its scheduled performers, ranging from DJs to local musicians and dance troupes, you can enjoy a show out on the veranda during lunch or when you're when you enter full-blown après mode.
While La Folie Douce is a must-stop, Val d'Isere is also known for its wide variety of restaurants in the village if you're seeking quieter dining or après experiences.
Stay…
in the stunning village of Val d’Isere, whether you choose a cozy mountain chalet or luxury hotel reservation you’ll have an abundance of options close to the resort.
Travel…
by flying into Geneva International Airport, less than a three-hour car ride outside the village.
Explore…
the history of French architecture in the village from a church dating back to the 11th century to a bell tower built in 1664.
Treat…
yourself to a massage or visit to the hammam at the Aquasports Leisure Complex for an added dose of relaxation during your visit.
Ski…
at a top elevation of 11,443 feet and two different glaciers, Pointe du Montet and Pissaillas.
Enjoy…
some mulled wine while soaking in views of the French Alps during your après in town.
Taste…
a hearty meal, Savoyard style, from gourmet fondue to tartiflette to warm up after a day on the mountain.
Experience…
paragliding, skidooing (riding on snow scooters), dogsledding or ice climbing—a different way of experiencing the French Alps when you aren’t skiing.
Ski Val d’Isere
Val d’Isere skiing is best suited for advanced intermediate and expert skiers, as the terrain is primarily steep and well above the tree line. Skiers and boarders with a penchant for leg burning runs and chasing thrills will be right at home on a Val d’Isere ski vacation. Mogul lovers will want to visit Epaule du Charvet, a steep, ungroomed black run with the most consistent moguls anywhere in the Val d’Isere valley. Val d’Isere also offers several world-class off-piste descents, so be sure to hire a guide for ultimate enjoyment and safety.
For easier, rolling runs for warming up or beginner skiers, we suggest heading up the Bellevarde side of the mountain and exploring the Grand Pre piste green run or the blue Club des Sports pistes. Val d’Isere does offer guests a selection of beginner and intermediate options at the Soliase ski area, like the gully Piste L, one of the more popular blue runs at the resort.
Freestyle skiers and snowboarders will enjoy dropping into the famed Snowpark which features five different terrain park levels depending on what you’re looking for. Jump on a line designed for your ability and level of progression with rails, boxes and jumps so you can properly, and safely, send it.
Conditions
N/A°F
Base
N/A°F
Summit
Open Lifts
Open Trails
Skiable Acres
Machine Groomed
Snowfall Summary
Latest Snowfall
0"
24hr
0"
48hr
Forecasted Snow
0"
24hr
0"
48hr
0"
72hr
8"
7-day
Percentage Groom: 0
Base Depth: 60"
Season Total: 0"
Weather Forecast
Sun 8
8°F / 15°F
Wind Speed: N/Ami
Mon 9
9°F / 33°F
Wind Speed: N/Ami
Tue 10
33°F / 37°F
Wind Speed: N/Ami
Wed 11
35°F / 39°F
Overcast
Wind Speed: 14mi
Thu 12
29°F / 36°F
Overcast
Wind Speed: 10mi
Mountain Stats
5413'
Vertical Drop
6070'
Base Elevation
11339'
Summit Elevation
Activities
TerrainPark
No
Tubing
No
Night Skiing
No
Val d'Isere FAQ's:
Val d'Isere is not just for expert skiers; it's an excellent destination for beginners too! The resort caters to those new to the sport, with free lifts on the nursery slopes specially designed for children learning to ski or snowboard. There’s also Solaise area, for those of all ages learning to ski or snowboard, with magic carpets to help newbies to the sport their bearings.
Sticking to the Mont Blanc, Borsat and Grand Prie chairlifts will keep you in range of smooth, green runs, allowing you to build confidence as you progress. However, if you want to improve your skills quickly, lessons are available with expert instructors, so you can get the best possible start to your skiing journey. After a few days of instruction, you can rejoin your group higher up on the mountain and enjoy the rest of your visit with newfound confidence on the slopes.
Tignes and Val d'Isere are connected and make up the 8th largest ski area in Europe. The two resorts offer a combined 186 miles of skiable terrain, making it an attractive destination for skiers and snowboarders alike.
The joint ski passes allow visitors to access the slopes of both resorts seamlessly. The resorts were formerly known as the "Espace Killy Ski Area," a tribute to Olympic athlete Jean Claude Killy. Although the name has since changed to Tignes-Val d'Isere Resort, the joint offering continues to provide an unparalleled ski experience for visitors.
Val d'Isère Ski Vacation Packages
If Val d'Isère sounds like the Alps ski destination you've been looking to experience this ski season, start the booking process today. You can begin by searching our online Val d'Isère lodging inventory. Use the filters to narrow down the options based on your budget and preferences.
Skiing for Miles
If you have only skied in the U.S. it is hard to imagine how big Val D’Isere is. The terrain is endless. The scenery breathtaking. The lift system was very efficient with a great combination of chairlifts, gondolas, and funiculars. Your pass allows you to ski at neighboring Tignes which affords even more trail options and another nice town to explore for lunch. And being in France the food was amazing. We did not have a bad meal and wished we could have tried even more of the restaurants. The town is not as quaint as say Zermatt; it’s essentially one nice street through the valley. There are some nice shops and the aforementioned great restaurants. There is a very convenient, free bus that takes you around town and to different base areas. It comes frequently so there is little waiting. We only wish the resort was closer to the airport as the ride back took 3.5 hours on a Friday night after taking only 2.5 hours to get there.
Best SKiing Ever! (out of 5 countries so far)
Great trails, massive and long runs, usually little or no lift lines (mid March). Good restaurants on mountain. The lift, gondola, and magic carpets were plentiful and easy to figure out, but with tons of options to ski both Val D'Isere and easy to get to Tignes side. The village is great with nice restaurants, and friendly workers everywhere. Easy to get to from Geneva
EXPERT REVIEWS (3)
- 4.5Nightlife
- 4.5Intermediate Skiing
- 2.5Budget Vacation
- 5.0Shopping
- 4.0Terrain Park
- 4.0Beginner Skiing
- 4.5Activities
- 4.5Ski-in Ski-out
- 4.5Family Vacation
- 4.5Accommodations
- 5.0Luxury Vacation
- 4.5Spa
- 3.5Access
- 5.0Expert Skiing
- 4.5Dining
Key
1=Poor 2=Fair 3=Average 4=Good 5=Excellent
Reviews
Limitless Skiing and Things to Do in Val D'Isere!
Good
The first thing I noticed about Val D'Isere when we arrived was much of the town is comprised of a large, mountain chic pedestrian village, putting everything at the fingertips of anyone staying at the base of the slopes. Between the original cobblestone streets, historical buildings and large farmers markets, I felt the village area had an authenticity that so many other mountains attempt to recreate but always seem to fall short of. Featuring tons of dining, shopping and entertainment options, there is always something to do in town.
Once on the slopes, things really opened up. The terrain stretches about as far as the eye can see and into neighboring Tignes, providing more than enough to entertain any skier/rider. The resort consists of endless bowls but all feature at least one or two lifts out so, even if you do get turned around, you can always make it back to the village fairly easily.
If you are looking for a resort that really has it all and somehow manages to simplify it's own vastness in one centralized village area, Val D'Isere is a great choice.
Beautiful French Village and an Amazing Ski Resort!
Excellent
I just had a chance to visit beautiful Val d'Isere. I loved the village and the mountain! It is a charming French ski village that sits right at the base of the Espace Killy ski area. This incredible ski area has terrain for every skier. The amount of terrain is amazing. There is so much skiable terrain I would highly recommend a ski guide for the first few days to get familiar with the area. In addition to great skiing the mountain offers great on mountain dining and entertainment. One of the most popular lunch/après spots is La Folie Douce. On a sunny day it is great to go there to enjoy the view, lunch and the live music and dance show with paragliders circling overhead!
Val D’isere offers an abundance of lodging option for every price range. Most of the lodging is at the base of the mountain or a short walk or shuttle ride to the lifts. The village of Val d’Isere offers a wide variety of shopping , restaurants, après and nightlife options! This French Ski Resort has something for everyone!
Worth the Trip!!!
NR
I just got back from a fantastic trip through some of the French ski resorts, and Val d'isere is a true stand out! The skiing is massive and connects with Tignes to create a uniquely French Alps experience. There are slopes that cater to all levels of experience, as well as some pedestrian friendly lifts that allow the non skier to explore the mountains and meet up for some exceptional on mountain dining.
The village is somewhat relatable to Vail in that it has a vibrant central shopping and dining scene (don't miss the Monday market), with just a short walk to everything from most hotels.
A variety of options await you, and I'll be happy to help you put it all together!