Val d'Isère

About Val d'Isère

Val-d'Isère 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'Isère 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'Isère 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'Isère does best, known in particular for its iconic on-mountain restaurant: La Folie Douce. The spot has 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 in full-blown après mode. While La Folie Douce is a must-stop, Val-d'Isère is also known for its wide variety of restaurants in the village if you're seeking quieter dining or après experiences.

How to get to Val d'Isère

Val-d'Isère is incredibly accessible. The closest train station, Bourg-Saint-Maurice, is just 40 minutes away, with convenient bus transfers also available from Geneva, Lyon, Chambéry and Grenoble airports. Once you arrive in Val-d'Isère, everything is within easy reach on foot or via the resort's free shuttle service.

Getting around

Getting around Val-d'Isère is convenient and eco-friendly with free shuttles that run regularly within the resort in both winter and summer, making it easy to travel from A to B. There are options for more personalized transport, as multiple taxi and private driver services are available and are ideal for reaching the village from the station or airport. These options ensure you can navigate Val-d'Isère efficiently, whether you're exploring the village or heading to your accommodation.

Skiing in Val d'Isère

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'Isère 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.

Beginner Skiing in Val-d'Isère, France

Val-d'Isère beginner skiing offers an ideal experience, since the “learn to ski” slope comes right into the center of town. The lift that accesses this slope is complimentary, too. Once beginners feel ready to explore more of the resort’s green runs head up to the Solaise ski area—the Madeleine run is particularly ideal.

The Bellevard zone also provides a great setting for beginner skiing, with wide open runs. Enjoy the scenic, tranquil slopes on Le Fornet that are ideal for those new to the sport. Relax and learn at your own pace in these zones. When it’s time to head back to your hotel, or to an après-ski hot spot, beginners will want to take the lifts back down, since nearly all of the base village descents are challenging.

Expert Skiing in Val-d'Isère, France

Val d’Isère offers intermediates an exceptional array of terrain options from early intermediate to advanced. Test your might on the Madeleine, Arcelle, Plan Milet, and Genepy runs. The Col de l’Iseran glacier area, which offers gentle, wide-open blue runs. Offering progressive, spread-out trails, Solaise is a popular zone for intermediates as well. More advanced intermediates have a lot of options, they’ll want to test their mettle on the World Cup downhill run, which features fun, rolling terrain, or head to Bellevard, featuring a variety of intermediate terrain options.

Val-d'Isère expert skiing is right up there with St. Anton and Chamonix. The seemingly never-ending off-piste options are its biggest draw, and the Glacier de Pissailles is the place to go. Challenge-seekers will find off-piste terrain just about everywhere though. Experts looking for some on-piste steeps will enjoy the mogulled Face Olympic de Bellevarde, in the Bellevarde ski area and the Epaule du Charvet. Face de Bellevarde is renowned for its steep gradient and technical challenges, perfect for thrill-seekers. Epaule du Charvet, Grand Vallon, and Le Tunnel deliver intense skiing experiences with steep descents, narrow paths and varied terrain.

Family vacations in Val d'Isère

Val-d'Isère provides families with an unforgettable experience. Both children and parents alike will appreciate the many exceptional kid-friendly ski schools, day care facilities, winter fun zones and gentle slopes. The whole family will love the sledding runs off the Savonette chairlift—lift access is complimentary.

The Jardin des Neiges and Savonnette slope are designed for young learners to ski safely. Enjoy the Valkids play area and the Lost Village, a hidden area in the trees, as a family, in addition to other activities that include mini snowmobiles for kids, ice skating and snowshoeing or dog sledding in the Vallée du Manchet, Fornet or La Daille. The resort also offers free activities like Snake Gliss, Yooner and Airbord on the Savonnette toboggan run. Val-d'Isère lodging sways towards upscale experience and price tags, but the village also provides some exceptional family-friendly accommodations.