With its rich array of slopes, exceptional snow record, and lively village ambiance, Val d'Isère stands as one of the eminent giants among all French ski resorts. This charming village, known for its sophistication and world-class ski terrain, forms part of the Espace Killy ski area along with Tignes.
We've put this guide together to make planning your Val d'Isère ski holiday a breeze. You'll learn everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and even the coolest places to grab a bite or relax after skiing.
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Val d'Isère is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in the department of Savoie near to the border with Italy.
For a detailed view of Val d'Isère's location, you can explore it on Google Maps.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
Staying true to its alpine heritage, Val d'Isère showcases traditional architecture with buildings crafted from stone, wood, and lauze. Accommodations range from 3-5 star hotels to modern residences and chalets, most of which are located near the ski area and lifts. Many properties boast spa and wellness facilities, and there are options well-suited for larger groups, whether families or friends, seeking either the vibrant heart of the resort or a tranquil retreat. Culinary experiences in Val d'Isère are as diverse as its slopes. From indulging in traditional French cuisine to savoring Michelin-starred meals, the resort promises a gastronomic adventure. Rounding off the Val d'Isère experience is its iconic après ski scene, epitomized by La Folie Douce. Renowned as the most famous mountain club of the Alps, it draws crowds year after year, making it the quintessential spot to conclude a day on the slopes with a drink and dance before descending back to the village.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multitude of runs suitable for all skill levels. | Certain green and blue runs can be challenging. |
| Consistent snow cover | Main off-piste slopes can become crowded quickly. |
| Exceptional off-piste terrain | There is often a need to use bus transportation to and from the slopes. |
| Highly efficient and effective lift network | Expensive day car-parking costs |
In wintertime, Val d'Isère and Tignes join together to form a remarkable area formely known as Espace Killy, featuring over 300 km of pistes. Val d'Isère alone is home to approximately 150 kilometers of these pistes, spread across several key sectors:
Beginners will find a number of good nursery slopes and free lifts to practice on, before progressing onto the easy green runs in the heart of the ski area.
For intermediate skiers, Val d'Isère is a true paradise, with gentle cruising blue and red runs on the Bellevarde and La Daille sectors, and access to the vast ski domain of Tignes and La Grande Motte.
Advanced skiers and snowboarders are also well-catered for, with Val d'Isère featuring in every list of Europe's best skiing for its giant moguls, steep black runs, couloirs, and sensational off-piste. Iconic runs include the Olympic Men's Downhill run and the waist-high Solaise bumps just above the village.
The resort also provides ample opportunities for off-piste adventures, with its maximum vertical drop of 1,900 meters, one of the highest in Europe, delivering an exhilarating downhill experience. The best off-piste areas include La Daille, the Grand Motte, and Solaise, offering various challenging trails with amazing, varied terrain.
Val d'Isère hosts a world-class snow park equipped with a half-pipe, featuring 30 kickers and a variety of obstacles suitable for all skill levels. Conveniently situated on Bellevarde, next to the slalom course, the snow park is easily accessible from the top of the Olympique gondola or the Funival funicular from La Daille. Bellevarde is also home to two natural ski/boardercross courses, with an additional track on Solaise. These tracks provide a thrilling yet secure environment for racers to test their skills and compete against each other.
Val d'Isère offers remarkable glacier skiing experiences, with the Grand Motte and Pissaillas glaciers being key highlights. The Grand Motte glacier, accessible via a funicular and cable car, offers an expansive 20 km of piste where you can find a mix of challenging black, smoother red and blue pistes, and even some gentle slopes for beginners. On the other hand, the Pissaillas glacier offers a range of blue and red runs that start from over 3,100 meters high. This glacier is typically open from June to July, extending the ski season when lower-altitude slopes are devoid of snow.
The ski season in Val d'Isère for 2024/25 is expected to start on November 30th and run until May 1st. Obviously, opening and closing dates may vary slightly depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Val d'Isère this season, be sure to explore our Val d'Isère ski deals for the best ski offers available.
Val d'Isère's historical averages and trends from December through April reveal a consistent pattern of optimal snow conditions. December and January typically see snowfall amounts of 37 cm and 38 cm respectively, spread across an average of 3.2 days each week. February experiences a slight decrease in snowfall to an average of 33 cm but with increased frequency, occurring about 3.5 days per week. The peak snowfall, usually in the first week of March, marks the snowiest period in Val d'Isère, with an impressive average of 53 cm of snow over 4.1 days. This time is ideal for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season extends into April, maintaining enjoyable conditions with an average snowfall of 32 cm over 4.3 days, providing softer snow under brighter skies.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 37 cm | 3.2 days |
| January | 38 cm | 3.2 days |
| February | 33 cm | 3.5 days |
| March | 40 cm | 3.9 days |
| April | 32 cm | 4.3 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Val d’Isère is home to some of the finest mountain restaurants in the Alps, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch with stunning views, as well as a variety of village restaurants that come alive in the evening, providing a perfect end to a day of skiing.
Lunchtime
When it comes to lunchtime, you’ll find an impressive selection of mountain restaurants that not only serve exquisite dishes but also offer breathtaking alpine views. Notable mountain restaurants include La Fruitière, Edelweiss, Le Trifollet, and Peau de Vache, each offering a unique atmosphere and menu. Down in the village, you’ll find equally enticing options such as Les Barmes de l'Ours, perfect for those looking to enjoy a hearty meal without leaving the valley.
Evening
In the evening, Val d’Isère transforms into a culinary haven with a wide range of dining options, from Michelin-starred establishments to cozy village eateries. For those looking to enjoy a fine dining experience, La Table de l’Ours is among the most popular.
Download Val d'Isere town map here
