Val d'Isere

Val d’Isère Ski Resort

With an unbeatable range of terrain and a fantastic resort village it is no surprise that Val d’Isère is widely considered to be one of the world’s top resorts – let alone amongst Ski Club members, who return year on year in their droves.

Although the resort is famed for its lift served off piste – names such as Banane, Le Fornet, Le Grand Vallon and Le Levancher all conjure up images of deep powder and steep turns – there is something for everyone in the ski area. This is before the 150km of pistes across the other side of the Tovière in Tignes come into consideration. Together they form the 300km of linked slopes that make up the Espace Killy.

The town is buzzing and unlike many large resorts, it has managed to retain its old character. There are few better places for après ski in the world, starting on the hill at the Folie Douce before moving into town where the selection of bars and restaurants is almost limitless.

Val d’Isère has long been a Ski Club favourite - join one of our Freshtracks holidays to Val d’Isère or Tignes to experience the vast Espace Killy.

Another way to explore the vast potential of the resort is to make the most of the Ski Club’s Instructor-led Guiding Service, in resort this season between 22nd December and 13th April.

Joining the Ski Club’s Val d’Isère Facebook Group is a must if you’re looking for members to meet up and ski or have a beer with – it’s our most popular group and is almost at 1000 members!

What's New for 2020/21?

The £170 million project to transform the village that began in 2017 continues and this summer saw the completion of the Refuge de Solaise. It will be the highest hotel in France, situated on the mountainside way above Val d’Isère and will have 16 rooms, three large luxury apartment and a traditional refuge dormitory with 14 beds. Facilities include a 300-seat gourmet restaurant, a cocktail bar and a spa with a 23-metre pool that is open to the public. It’s as impressive as it sounds!

On piste, modernised snow cannons which use less water are being added to the pistes.

Our Val d’Isère Resort Ratings

• Beginner ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Intermediate ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Advanced ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
• Snow Reliability ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Fast Lifts ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Resort Activities ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Après ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
• Value ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Val d’Isère Skiing and Snowboarding

Val has some of the best advanced and expert skiing in the world, especially after fresh snow when the off piste terrain comes into its own. Just make sure you’re up early to get fresh tracks… Despite the reputation, on piste there is some really good terrain for beginners and intermediates, most of which is very snowsure and lies well above 2000m.

• Total Pistes: 150km (300km in Espace Killy)
• Green: 14%
• Blue: 43%
• Red: 26%
• Black: 17%
• Additional Ski Routes: 20km
• Lifts: 31 (78 in Espace Killy)
• Altitude: 1550m (Val d’Isère’s lowest point is 1785m) – 3456m

For Beginners

There are sunny beginner slopes at the foot of the Solaise gondola, but the best zone for early learners is now definitely at the summit of the new gondola. Magic carpets serve some great beginner terrain and progression on the Madelaine green makes for a great next step, but make sure you download at the end of the day to avoid the steep return run. Long greens served by the Borsat and Marmottes chair should then be tried, but avoid the blue Santons run back to town as it is busy and quite steep – catch the lift back down.

For Intermediates

Most of the ski area can be negotiated by confident intermediates and there are some great long runs, particularly from the top of the Laisinant chair, down to La Daille and then over the Tovière to Tignes. Once in Tignes, the network of blues and reds opens up vast possibilities for cruising in between the two resorts, all on snowsure and usually very well-prepared runs.

For Advanced/Expert & Off Piste

There may be better places for steep pistes – although the Face de Bellevarde, the OK racetrack and the Sache over in Tignes are definitely good challenges – but few can rival the off piste terrain that Val d’Isère has to offer. With so many options to choose from, the best way is to explore the resort using the Ski Club’s Instructor-led Guiding Service or by linking up with fellow members – many of whom are seasonnaires – via the Ski Club’s Val d’Isère Facebook Page.

Val d’Isère Piste Map

The Espace Killy piste can be downloaded here and an up-to-date, interactive piste map can be found on the resort’s website.

Val d’Isère Ski Pass Prices

Day passes can be bought for Val d’Isère only, but all two-day passes or longer cover the entire Espace Killy. You can currently get 25% off your season pass on the official Val d'Isere website. Note that these prices may change, so check with the resort's website for the latest or give the Ski Club’s expert info & advice team a call on 020 8410 2009.

Val d’Isère Season Dates

• Opening Date: 28th November 2020
• Closing Date: 2nd May 2021

For full details see the resort's website and note that these dates are subject to change. The Ski Club’s expert info & advice team are also on hand to help – call 020 8410 2009.

Val d’Isère Resort

The resort is based around the 17th Century church in the centre, from which the vibrant town of Val d’Isère spreads across the valley. Much of the accommodation is in chalets, some of which can be very expensive, but there are cheaper options and some great hotels to choose from too. La Daille is a little further down the valley and acts as an alternative base, but just note that it is nowhere near as lively.

For Families

There are some good facilities for families and since the creation of the new Solaise beginner zone, the skiing options for young children have improved markedly. The high proportion of British tour operators in resort means childcare facilities are easy to find. There’s a good amount to do off the slopes – there’s even a winter golf course…

For Après

The original Folie Douce is located at the top of the La Daille gondola and is the undoubted hub for après on the slopes. If you’ve enjoyed the table dancing too much, just catch the lift down. Back in town and there are so many options – including the Bar Alexandra which is the home of the Ski Club’s Social Hour. The party frequently continues right through into the very small hours, especially once the bars fill up with seasonnaires after their chalet duties finish.

How to get to Val d’Isère

As it sits right at the end of the valley, the transfer to Val d’Isère is quite a long one. Chambéry is the closest airport at around two hours away, whilst Geneva sits approximately three hours away. Lots of companies offer shared transfers, especially from Geneva.

A great option is to travel by train, catching the Eurostar to the town of Bourg St Maurice in the valley before grabbing a quick bus transfer up to the resort. Check out the Ski Club’s Guide to travelling to resort by train.

• Chambéry airport: 2 hours (driving)
• Geneva airport: 3 hours (driving)
• Snowtrain: 8-10 hours from London
• Calais: approximately 11 hours driving (598 miles)

Val d’Isère Contact Details

• Website: www.valdisere.com
• Email: info@valdisere.com
• Telephone: +33 04 79 06 06 60
• Facebook: @valdisere
• Instagram: @valdisere
• Twitter: @valdisere