Tailor-made ski holidays in Val d’Isère

Skiing and snowboarding in Val d’Isère

Val d’Isère shares one of the great linked ski areas of the Alps with its neighbour Tignes: about 300 km of marked pistes between 1,550 m and 3,456 m, an area long known as the Espace Killy after local champion Jean-Claude Killy. On the Val d’Isère side the skiing falls into three main sectors: Solaise, rising straight above the village; Bellevarde, reached by gondola from the centre or by funicular from La Daille; and Le Fornet, where lifts climb towards the Pisaillas glacier and the resort’s highest lift-served point at about 3,200 m.

The resort’s reputation rests on its demanding terrain. The Face de Bellevarde hosted the men’s downhill at the 1992 Albertville Olympics, Val d’Isère staged the 2009 World Championships, and World Cup races are regularly held here in early December. Off-piste is a major draw and should always be skied with a qualified guide or instructor. Intermediates have plenty of long cruising runs too.

Val d’Isère for families and beginners

Val d’Isère is not only for experts. A high-altitude beginner area on Solaise, reached by gondola from the heart of the village, has gentle slopes served by covered magic carpets, so first-timers learn where the snow is usually at its best. Several beginner lifts at the foot of the slopes, in the village and at La Daille, are free, which makes the first days simpler and cheaper.

Lessons for children and adults are offered by the ESF and several independent ski schools, with English-speaking instructors widely available. Once confidence grows, Bellevarde and Le Fornet have wide green and blue pistes to progress on. Families looking for a calmer base often choose La Daille or Le Fornet, both linked to the centre by free shuttle buses.

Where to stay in Val d’Isère

The resort stretches for several kilometres along the valley. The village centre, around the old church and the main street, puts you close to the Solaise and Bellevarde gondolas, shops and restaurants, and suits those who like to walk everywhere. La Daille, at the entrance to the resort, sits at the foot of the Bellevarde funicular and is popular for apartments close to the slopes. Le Fornet, further up the valley, is a small traditional hamlet with its own cable car and a quiet atmosphere.

Accommodation ranges from apartments to catered chalets and hotels. Ski-in/ski-out options exist in each area, but the distance to the nearest lift varies a lot, so check before you book. A free shuttle network, including the frequent “Train Rouge” line, links the hamlets throughout the day, so you rarely need a car.

Getting to Val d’Isère

The nearest train station is Bourg-Saint-Maurice, 30 km away and about 40 minutes by bus or taxi. It is served by TGV trains from Paris and, on winter weekends, by Eurostar Snow trains from London with one change in Lille. By road, Chambéry airport is about 2 hours away and Geneva and Lyon about 3 hours, depending on traffic and snow; Saturday changeover days are often slower.

In winter there is only one way in, up the Tarentaise valley from Bourg-Saint-Maurice, as the Col de l’Iseran is closed from autumn until early summer. From 1 November to 31 March, French mountain rules require winter tyres or snow chains carried in the car.

Beyond the slopes in Val d’Isère

Val d’Isère has kept a real village around its church, with stone-and-wood buildings, independent shops and a wide range of restaurants, from mountain huts to fine dining. Après-ski runs from quiet bars to lively venues at the foot of the slopes, and the village stays busy in the evening.

For a rest day, the Centre Aquasportif has swimming pools, a wellness area and indoor sports facilities. Snowshoe outings, winter walks and trips to Tignes, where you can try ice diving under the frozen lake, add variety for non-skiers and mixed groups.

When to go to Val d’Isère

Thanks to its altitude, Val d’Isère has one of the longest seasons in the French Alps, usually from late November to early May. December and January are often cold and quieter outside the festive weeks. February is the busiest period because of French and UK school holidays, so book early. March brings longer, sunnier days on a well-established snow base, and April is usually still good higher up, with softer spring snow lower down.

Your Val d’Isère holiday with AlpAway

AlpAway can put together your whole stay: accommodation in the part of the resort that suits you, lift passes, equipment rental, lessons and transfers from the airport or Bourg-Saint-Maurice station. If you would like to compare it with Tignes or another high resort such as Val Thorens, just send us your dates, group and level and we will come back with a tailored proposal.