Val d’Isère is one of the world’s most famous resorts for ski holidays. Popular with serious winter sports enthusiasts, it is a true alpine playground lying in the centre of the French Alps, offering up some of the finest skiing in the world.
The village
The resort is linked to the nearby resort of Tignes, and together they provide everything any winter sports enthusiast could ask for. There’s a strict no parking policy on the roads in the town, which makes it look infinitely more appealing and makes the tree lined streets pop.
Restaurants and bars provide a peaceful escape away from the slopes, but these do come to life at night – especially in the high season.
Photo courtesy of © Val d’Isère Tourisme and Andy Parant
Winter activities
With slopes to suit true beginners to veterans, it’s not hard to see why Val d’Isère has entered the skiing hall of fame. Should visitors have enough of the skiing, there’s plenty more to keep them occupied. Paragliding, speed riding and dog sleighing are all great activities, but those looking for a bit more fun may want to head to the ‘fun zone’ or snow park and let loose.
Photo courtesy of © Val d’Isère Tourisme and Andy Parant
Summer activities
Val d’Isère offers summer skiing for those who just can’t get enough. But this is generally only possible in the morning as the heat from the sun often turns the snow to slush. Mountain biking is a popular alternative in the afternoons and will allow you to really get at one with nature.
Photo courtesy of © Val d’Isère Tourisme and Andy Parant
Events
As one of the most popular, and therefore busiest resorts, there’s always something going on. Live music featuring bands and DJs is popular here and attracts a relatively young crowd. But there are events to entertain everyone so don’t be put off if the calendar doesn’t look like your cup of tea.
There’s snow-related events taking place throughout the year too, so if you time it right you’ll be able to catch some pros doing their thing.
Photo courtesy of © Val d’Isère Tourisme and Andy Parant
Slopes
As it’s twinned with Tignes, it offers a vast skiing area of 300km of pistes. Top slopes stand at an altitude of 3400m which lie beneath the summit of the Pointe du Montet.
The slopes themselves are almost perfect – no matter what your ability. There’s plenty to appease and challenge seasoned professionals, while beginners will still be able to take part on the areas many blue slopes.
Photo courtesy of © Val d’Isère Tourisme and Julien Lacointe
How to get there
Although there’s no parking on the roads, there are underground carparks available. However Chambéry Airport is just 2 hours’ drive and Geneva is around 2 and a half hours away.
The closest train station is Bourg-St-Maurice and offers spectacular views of the Dolomites first-hand. There are regular buses from the station and take around 40 minutes, but there is always the option to get a taxi.
If you love skiing, then you need to visit Val d’Isère. And the best way to take in the true alpine experience is to rent a luxury ski chalet in the area.
Photo courtesy of © Val d’Isère Tourisme and Andy Parant
