Skiing in Val d'Isère
Together with neighbouring Tignes, Val d’Isère forms part of the iconicTignes-Val d’Isère ski area (formerly and more popularly known as Espace Killy). The ski area has an impressive 300km of pistes, a network of interconnected lifts and snow-sure slopes perfect for anyone from absolute beginners to grizzled veterans. Val d’Isère has been operating as a ski resort since the 1930s, but its most major transformation over the years occurred on the lead-up to the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics when its Face de Bellevarde run (known to insiders as ‘La Face’) was the site of the men’s downhill, giant slalom and Super G events.
Val d'Isère boasts modern facilities, including a range of accommodations from luxury hotels to traditional chalets, ski schools offering lessons for all skill levels, and well-equipped rental shops for ski equipment. Additionally, Val d'Isère features numerous restaurants serving traditional Savoyard cuisine and international dishes, ensuring a delightful dining experience for guests
Val d'Isère boasts modern facilities, including a range of accommodations from luxury hotels to traditional chalets, ski schools offering lessons for all skill levels, and well-equipped rental shops for ski equipment. Additionally, Val d'Isère features numerous restaurants serving traditional Savoyard cuisine and international dishes, ensuring a delightful dining experience for guests
Most of Val d’Isère's slopes are suited to intermediate and experienced enthusiasts than complete beginners, but the resort’s nursery slopes have been improved significantly over the years, especially with the Pim, Pam, Poum magic carpet lifts at the top of the Solaise lift and you can also access long, interconnected green runs from the Borsat chair that are ideal while you’re still finding your feet. It's almost impossible to talk about Val d’Isère without mentioning its vibrant après-ski scene, with bars, cafes, and lounges offering a relaxing atmosphere to unwind and socialize. Whether indulging in après-ski drinks, exploring the charming village, or simply taking in the breathtaking mountain views, Val d'Isère provides an unforgettable alpine getaway for winter sports enthusiasts.
Val d’Isere is part of one of the largest ski areas in Europe, joined with neighbouring Tignes. It offers around 300km of marked pistes, ranging from green to black, as well as many off-piste opportunities. Val d’Isère’s village resort height is 1,850 metres with the pistes peaking at 3,450 metres on the Grande Motte glacier.
With high-altitude snow-sure slopes and a huge variety of pistes, Val d’Isère has more than enough to appeal to all aptitudes of skiers:
The pistes here can be a little more challenging than their equivalents at rival resorts ̶ for instance, a Val d’Isère blue might be in the red category elsewhere and a black run almost always represents a very tricky but genuinely exciting endeavour.
The Solaise slopes are blessed by some of the best beginner slopes and are served by three moving carpet lifts (Pim Pam and Poum) accessible via the plush Solaise access gondola, which has heated seats and free Wi-Fi. More exciting beginner areas can be found at La Daille.
The Bellevarde ski area is perfect for advanced-level skiers. Accessible via the Olympique jumbo gondola, this peaks at 2827m. The Bellevarde is home to the thrilling La Face, the World Cup Downhill OK run and some of the area's best off-piste opportunities in Val d’Isère which include the Banana, a large vertical drop you can access via La Face, and the Charvet Tour; another famous off-piste run accessible from the top of the Grand Pré chairlift.
All Accommodation in Val d’Isère
An excellent lift system, reliable snow depth and plenty of off-piste areas close to the lifts mean that Val d’Isère is an awesome resort for snowboarders too ̶ take a look at what’s on offer:
The snowpark at Val d’Isère is located at a lofty 2500m high at the Mont Blanc chairlift ̶ it’s around 500m long and has 40 kickers and 6 lines for all levels of boarders.
The Swatch Snowpark at nearby Tignes is situated at the Grattalu chairlift and has a variety of jumps and obstacles as well as a big air bag where you can practice your most outrageous moves. If you’re looking for even more entertainment, there’s also a boardercross course.
With many off-piste opportunities in Val d’Isère, a local mountain guide can take you to the best hotspots for fresh powder. Although enjoyable all year round, the best times for off-piste tend to be January, when you’ll find deep powder.
Solaise is Val d’Isère’s original ski area and has been serving visitors since the resort first opened in the 1930s. A network of intermediate runs is nestled at the top (2560m) and you’ll also find FIS Women’s World Cup downhill course the Rhones-Black.
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The apres ski experience in Val d'Isere is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the ski holiday. Val d'Isere is one of Frances's most popular resorts and does have a sterling reputation for being a party hub in the Alps. If you are looking to be out and about on your holiday, check out our recommendations for a great evening.
La Folie Douce is a well-known après ski spot in Val d'Isere that offers live music, dancing, and entertainment. It is one of the Alp's most famous slope parties, sometimes hosting up to 300 people! It's located on the slopes, so you can ski right up to the party and back down as well. There is a cable car right next to it that takes you back to the village but it closes at 4pm so keep an eye on the time if you want to catch it.
La Baraque is another popular après ski spot in Val d'Isere that has a lively atmosphere and serves a range of drinks and snacks. It's a great place to meet up with friends and socialize after a day on the slopes.
Cocorico If you're looking for a more upscale après ski experience, Cocorico is a great choice. A lively bar at the foot of the slopes with live bands, DJs and dancing on the tables. A great place to mingle with other skiers and snowboarders This trendy bar serves gourmet snacks and cocktails and has a sophisticated atmosphere.
Doudoune Club: If you want to continue the party into the evening, the Doudoune Club is a nightclub in Val d'Isere that is open until the early hours of the morning.
Val d'Isère offers a wide range of facilities to cater to the needs of all skiers who visit the resort. You'll find plenty of options for shopping, dining, and ski equipment rental, among other services. In case you need some recommendations to make the most of your holiday, we have a few suggestions to share with you.
Val d’Isère has fantastic child-friendly facilities and offers a wealth of activities specifically designed for children's entertainment and general welfare.
All Accommodation in Val d’Isère
