Amid the wide variety of French ski resorts, Val d'Isère stands as a premium ski destination. Its challenging slopes, complemented by state-of-the-art lift systems, promise exhilarating descents amidst fascinating alpine panoramas.

Skiing in Val d'Isère

Beginners: Val d'Isère offers an inviting playground for newcomers with several nurturing slopes and a range of free lifts dedicated to skiing beginners. The village center houses two free slopes, ensuring a perfect setting for novices to build confidence and refine their skiing techniques. When ready to venture further, the modern lift system connects novices to an array of gentle green slopes in the ski area's heart.

Intermediates: The resort boasts a wide array of blue and red runs, notably in the Bellevarde and La Daille sectors, providing an expanse of terrain perfect for cruising. Additionally, the connection to Tignes and La Grande Motte means intermediates have an expansive playground that caters to their skill level, ensuring no two days on the slopes feel the same.

Advanced: Renowned for its waist-high moguls, steep descents, and couloirs, it's no wonder Val d'Isère is often touted as a premier European skiing destination. Highlights for advanced skiers include the iconic Olympic Men's Downhill run and the powder-filled bowls of Tour de Charvet.

Off-piste: Val d'Isère, as part of the Tignes-Val d'Isère ski area sometimes known as Espace Killy, offers one of France's premier off-piste experiences. The resort provides a wealth of easily accessible off-piste terrains directly from its lift system. This ensures more exhilarating descents and less uphill hiking. Prolific off-piste regions like La Daille, the Grand Motte, and Solaise present skiers with varied and demanding trails. For those eager to navigate couloirs, the Grand Caisse offers a selection that becomes progressively steeper and lengthier as one approaches Tignes.

Glacier skiing: The Grand Motte glacier presents skiers with a diverse 20 km of pistes suitable for all abilities. In contrast, the Pissaillas glacier tempts with a mix of blue and red runs that begin from elevations surpassing 3,100 m.

Snowboarding: The renowned Oakley ValPark offers an arena for freestylers of all abilities, ensuring boarders enjoy their share of alpine paradise. The Snowpark features six different level lines: Small for beginners, Medium for intermediates, Slopestyle, Mini-Pipe, Large for advanced riders, and XL for experts.

Families

The pedestrianized village center and close proximity of facilities ensure that parents and children have everything they need at their fingertips. For those looking to introduce their young ones to skiing, there are several ski schools to consider such as the Supreme Ski & Snowboard School, Progression Ski, or the Ecole du Ski Francais (ESF) which offers engaging snow gardens for kids aged 3 to 12 in the village, and at the la Daille satellite centre. For parents seeking a few hours off, Jelly and Ice Cream, provides trusted private nannying and babysitting services. The Tourist Office also maintains a list of registered child minders and babysitters for added peace of mind. Beyond skiing, whether it’s enjoying a splash in the sports centre's swimming pool or sledging down the snowy paths, families will find ample entertainment options.

Activities

Snow activities: Skidoo, paragliding, snowshoeing, heli-skiing, skidoo, snowmobiling, mountain-biking on snow, dog sledding, biathlon.

Non-skiing activities: Health and Spas, bowling, gym and indoor swimming pool.

Val d'Isère restaurants

Val d'Isère is a culinary journey. Whether you're in the mood for traditional Savoyard dishes, Michelin-starred gourmet experiences, or a diverse array of global flavours, the dining scene caters to all. Highlighted dining venues include: L'Atelier d'Edmond, La Table de l'Ours, La Luge, and La Peau de Vache.

Val d'Isère après-ski

Val d'Isère, known for its vibrant and spirited vibe, provides an energetic après-ski scene. Distinguished après ski bars in Val d'Isère are La Folie Douce, Cocorico, Doudoune Club, and Bar Jacques.

Explore other resorts in France

Val Thorens - La Plagne - Chamonix - Tignes - Avoriaz - Méribel - Les Arcs - Les Menuires - Courchevel - Flaine - La Clusaz - Serre Chevalier - Samoëns - La Rosière - Montgenèvre - Val Cenis - Megève - St Martin de Belleville - Isola 2000 - Risoul - Valmorel - Les Gets - Morzine - Les Deux Alpes - Alpe d'Huez - Vaujany - Sainte Foy Tarentaise - Saint Gervais les bains - Châtel - Les Houches - Les Sybelles - Les Carroz - Les Contamines-Montjoie - Les Orres - Les Saisies