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Val d'Isere Ski Resort
In France's Rhone Alp region, Val d'Isere (pronounced: val de saire/sare/ser or val d sere) is widely thought of as one of the most brilliant and beautiful ski areas in the world.
In keeping with the giddyingly gorgeous surroundings, the resort itself is one of France's prettiest - a huddle alpine hamlets formed from cosy wood and stone chalets. With the original village dating back to the 13th century and a Christmas-card-worthy church steeple at its centre, there’s alpine charm by the bucket load.
While dreamily trad in appearance, Val's unlike other authentic ski towns in that it sits high at an altitude of 1850m. This means speedy access to the slopes and that the resort’s well placed to garner good snowfall throughout the season – usually opening before, and closing later than most other resorts.
One of the bigger ski resorts in the Alps, the resort is formed of a few different parts. Val d’Isere 1850 centre is home to the bulk of hire shops, ski schools, beginner slopes, bars etc. The old village or old town is where you’ll find historic farmhouses and the much-photographed church. La Daille’s the first area you enter on the way up from Bourg Saint Maurice, while Le Fornet is the village to the east of the centre. Then there are small hamlets like Le Cret, La Leggetaz, Le Manchet and Le Laisinant. Chalets, hotels and apartments are scattered throughout, rarely far from a lift or piste and shuttle buses run between the lot.
The numerous bars, clubs and restaurants here form one of the world’s most buzzing après ski scenes and off-slope activities are abundant too - the Aquasportif centre has swimming, sports and spa facilities and there’s an ice rink in the village centre.
Its good looks and great après are certainly deciding factors for choosing ski holidays in Val d'Isere but what really seals the deal is the world-class skiing and snowboarding terrain. This resort forms one half of the Espace Killy ski area: some say its snow-sure slopes are the best in the world for intermediate and advanced levels, and they’ve been home to some of the very best names in snow sports – most notably Olympic legend Jean-Claude Killy who the region’s named after.
This quality, powdery terrain is accessible by a fabulously fast and efficient lift system and, with an area lift pass, you're granted access to Tignes (which forms the other half of Espace Killy). In total you've got 300km of slopes to roam, including 2 glaciers, 2 snowparks, slow-paced beginner areas and absolutely oceans of off-piste.
With so much to do on and off the slopes, Val d'Isere works well for couples, groups, solo skiers and families alike. The tourist board have awarded it the 'Family Plus' label, and it's easy to see why - as well as children's ski schools, there's a cracking kids area in the leisure complex, as well as various childcare options, the new Val Kids mini ski area (where tots can try their hands at driving a cable car!) and a children's sledging slope.
Stats & FAQ
Location: France, Alps.
Established: 1934
Open: October - May
Downhill: 300km
View our detailed Val d'Isere snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Val d'Isere snow history.
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
| Chambéry (CMF) | 145km, 1h45 |
| Geneva (GVA) | 180km, 2h40 |
| Grenoble (GNB) | 210km 2h50 |
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| Top Altitude: | 3300m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 1550m |
| Resort Altitude: | 1850m |
| Longest run: | 10km (Tignes) |
| Slope Orientation: | NSEW |
| Vertical Drop: | 1900m |
| Skiable Vertical: | 1900m |
| Night Skiing: | Yes, every Thursday |
| Glacier: | Yes |
Snow Report
Web Cam
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| Downhill Runs: | 300km |
| Beginner slopes: | 56% |
| Intermediate: | 28% |
| Advanced slopes: | 16% |
| Lift Pass Price: | €294 (adult 6 day) |
| Nearby resorts: Tignes, Espace Killy, Les Arcs, La Plagne, La Rosiere | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Val d'Isere
Skiers in Val d'Isere are schussing in the tracks of some of the world's greatest skiers. Olympic medallists Marielle and Christine Goitschel learned to ski here, not to mention triple gold winner Jean-Claude Killy, after whom the wider ski area is named.
As an indication of this place's premier status - the resort has hosted championships including the 1992 Olympics, the World Alpine Ski Championships in 2009 and World Cup events every December.
If some of the best skiers in history have learned here, beginners can too. The resort has 2 nursery slopes, one in the centre and another at La Daille which means wherever you're based, you shouldn't have a long trek to the learning area. Once you've learned the essentials, super places to practice are the 2 'Slow Zone' areas on Solaise and Bellevarde - Madeline and Verte. The Col de l'Iseran runs are gorgeously wide, gentle and relatively quiet areas to build confidence. Learning to ski here is also very good value, thanks to the fact that the lifts serving the beginner runs don't usually require a ski pass.
For intermediate and advanced skiers, this is easily one of the best areas in the world. Two absolutely must-ski runs are the "OK" piste (which features in the annual World Cup) and the fearsome "Face" piste on Bellevarde (of Olympic and World Championship fame). Off-piste opportunities are abundant, as are challenging mogul runs.
Val loves snowboarders, and the relationship is firmly mutual. All pistes are open to boarders and there's oodles of deep powder freeriding terrain to lap up. It's especially good for intermediate and advanced boarders seeking a challenge, and because of the small number of button lifts, access to slopes is a never a drag 😉
The ski area has its own snow park, the Oakley Valpark, at a soaring altitude of 2500m. It comes with kickers of all kinds, plus rails, jumps, and obstacles. an airbag and quarter pipe, divided into separate zones for different abilities (including a fun zone). The snow park has its own sound system and a chill zone with a BBQ and we could easily spend the bulk of the day here. For younger riders, the Acticross is a family-focussed area with gentle bumps, jumps, curves, super tunnel and a fun slalom. And if you're keen for a chance of scene, scoot on over to the Tignes snowpark, which, regularly hosting X Games events, is seriously world-class.
When it comes to nordic or cross country skiing, Val’s grooves and groomers feel worlds away from the lively party town, but they’re actually fabulously accessible. Open up a piste map and you’ll spot 21km of tracks sharing the colour grading of downhill pistes. Ski schools like Oxygène at are at the disposal of anyone looking to learn, with lessons kicking off on the easy 1.5km green over in La Daille. If you’re au fait with the basics, there’s a brilliant mixed gradient trail in the Manchet Valley. Head up to the Solaise cable car, where a smooth green will land you at the Clochetons restaurant (for fab fondues and puddings). Guiding you peacefully through to the Manchet hamlet is a 3km blue, followed by a trickier 6.5km red to the high altitude (1850m) Le Manchet valley. The 2560m Ouilette Lake loop, also leaving from the Solaise car, has buckets of beauty and a generous helping of challenging stretches. The crème de la crème is by far Le Fornet - a 5km blue that runs out of Val d’Isere towards the magnificent Vanoise National Park.
Val d'Isere Apres Ski
Famed for its après ski, there's no chance of a dull evening in Val. Living up to its name, you'll experience ‘sweet madness' at the original Le Folie Douce, which brings you some of the best après ski in Europe - including dancers, musicians, raining champagne and much more... Once that closes, Dicks T Bar's a local legend, staying open into the early hours each night. Bananas is another firm favourite, much loved for its crafty cocktails and slope-side location.
In Val d'Isere's 90-something restaurants, you'll find dishes of all sorts, shapes and sizes, from traditional Savoyarde comfort food (La Casserole's fondues are fabulous) to pizzas in one of the many family friendly restaurants or takeaways (we like Flash Pizza and Pizz'n'Love). For foodies, Michelin starred Atelier d'Edmond (in Fornet) serves a fusion of gourmet international cuisine and local delicacies and La Peau de Vache's dishes are spectacular. If you want something a little more laid back, head round the back of the Billabong/Quicksilver shop where there's a corking American diner-style cafe, or try the burgers at L ' Arbre de Vie (which usually has good vegetarian options too).
Off-slope facilities are superb and varied, making this a brilliant destination for non-skiers. Outside, the village has a natural ice rink where you can skate amid beautiful surroundings and there are some wonderful walking routes and snowshoeing, ice-climbing, ice-driving, husky rides and even paragliding. Every Thursday evening, wander into the town centre to enjoy spectacular illuminations, live music and street entertainment, before heading to one of many après ski bars.
The huge Centre Aquasportif has something for all ages, however you like to spend your spare time. Swap slope-side for the complex's “Beach-Side” area where there's a swimming pool and separate leisure pool. Little ones can enjoy the paddling area while you relax with the currents and massage jets. Savour some peace, quiet and pampering in the Wellness Zone's sauna and stream room, where you can also have a hydro-massage or some spa treatments. There's a state of the art gym, and a range of sports halls where you can play a game of squash, volleyball, football, basketball, badminton or table tennis.
Best time to go
Best time to ski Val d'Isere
Best time to visit & ski Val d'Isere
Thanks to the presence of the Pissaillas glacier, a high altitude and a vast adjoining area, Val d'Isere is great for skiing from the beginning of December through to the end of April. Besides the snow-sure nature of the Pissaillas, a majority of the slopes are situated above 2,500m altitude, well positioned to get the best snow coverage. To top it off, there's 150km of further terrain in the rest of the Espace Killy, including Tignes' Grande Motte glacier. The slopes face North, South, East and West with plenty of south facing pistes for milder mid-winter skiing and cooler north facing ones if you're skiing later in March, so you can enjoy the sunshine and avoid the slush. For when mother nature needs a helping hand, over 300 snow cannons are stationed around the glacier and adjoining areas to keep the pistes in great condition.
Val d'Isere is buzzing with festive cheer over the Christmas and New Year period and a popular destination for families during school holidays because of its fantastic snow and vast range of activities. If you're not held down by term dates and would rather opt for a quieter holiday, avoid these dates, although here at Sno we think they're the best times to visit!
Browse all Val d'Isere ski deals or read about holidays in December, January, February, March or April.
Peak Dates
Val d'Isere is a winter wonderland throughout the season, but if you spend Christmas in Val d'Isere you'll enjoy so much more on top of the Christmas card-esque scenery. The resort pulls out all stops to ensure an unforgettable Christmas. Children will love the magic shows and concerts not to mention the appearance of Father Christmas, Mrs Christmas, elves and other fairytale characters. Fun activities are planned on the Acticross for the whole family and the resort is a real feast for th Val d'Isere Christmas ski holidays ‣
Val d'Isere's renowned après ski scene ensures that you see in the New Year in Val d'Isere in style. Each venue puts on its own night, with live bands and top DJ's. As the clock strike's twelve, everyone heads to the town centre for an incredible firework display. Val d'Isere New Year ski holidays ‣
Breakfast is served with fun family activities on the Acticross on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday during February half term in Val d'Isere. The floodlit sledding slope is another family favourite and snow conditions are fantastic. Val d'Isere Half Term ski holidays ‣
There's a free Easter Egg hunt for children to enjoy during Easter in Val d'Isere and thanks to slope direction, altitude and snowmaking equipment, you're unlikely to be disappointed by the condition of slopes even at this stage of the season. Val d'Isere Easter ski holidays ‣
Families in Val d'Isere
With the Famille+ label, Val d’Isere is classified as one of France’s greatest family resorts. The ski area is best suited to those who have already been skiing a few times but if you’re bringing learners along, there are 2 nursery slopes and specific children’s zones as well as various ski schools that do group and private lessons (you can even book lessons as a family to learn and improve together). See if the ticket office are still doing the ‘family ski pass’, where you can save money by purchasing everyone’s passes together. A top tip is to get the lifts back down at the end of the day if you’re with nervous skiers as the runs back to town can get quite tricky. For children who aren’t quite old enough for ski school, the resort also has a range of childcare options at the Children’s Holiday Village (at the bottom of the slopes) and the Petit Poucet nursery (often we can include on-site childcare with accommodation bookings too).
The Val kids area (below Le Lounge in the Solaise section) is one of the new additions to resort. It’s a cracking place for 4-10 year olds and everyone else will wish they were in that age group - essentially a mini ski resort where youngsters can learn how to make snow, pretend play mountain rescue, work a piste basher and even ‘drive’ a cable car! There are toboggans and swings here too, as well as deckchairs for parents and picnic tables for snacks.
Little ones will also love the outdoor zone in the middle of the resort, where they can race on sledges, build snowman and make snow angels to their heart’s content. On recent years, the area at the foot of the pistes has been turned into a family fun zone on certain nights of the week, with a snake gliss, airboarding and more. If everyone needs warming up after a day on the mountain, head to the Aqua leisure complex which has a ‘beach world’ and ‘wellness world’ to keep both children and grownups happy.
See our selection of family favourite chalets, hotels and apartments for more info on where to stay. Only you know the best way to get your brood to the slopes, so whether it’s with flights and transfers, a self-drive package, train travel or just the accommodation, our ski specialists can help find a holiday to suit you.
Select your departure dates and travel preferences at the top of this page to find something that suits you best – you can also arrange everything from low price to high or by star rating.
GroupsGroup Holidays Val d'Isere
This legendary resort really does have something for everyone and accommodation to match, whatever your group size, preferences or budget.
Catered chalets are ideal for a group getaway – enjoy a cosy, intimate setting to yourselves by booking a chalet with rooms to suit your group size. Chalet Rousell sleeps 10 and is only 1 minute from slopes, making it perfect if you’ve got a group of snow lovers to match. Hotels are another group-friendly option, especially large properties like Club Med that are likely to have late availability in case any stragglers want to join up later. If it’s cheap you’re looking for, and mucking in on the catering isn’t a problem, apartments can be ideal. We like the Balcons de Bellevarde Apartments which have a quiet but convenient location, around 5 minutes’ walk from both the lifts and the town centre.
The ski area is suited ideally to groups of skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. If you’re taking beginners, there are two nursery slopes, one located in Val d’Isere centre and the other in La Daille – so whatever area you stay in, less confident skiers won’t have to travel far. There are some world class descents for more confident skiers who can get the Espace Killy pass to experience Tignes. Any non-skiers tagging along for the ride won’t be disappointed either, with activities including ice skating and shopping to name a few. Non-skiers looking to keep up with the rest of the group in terms of exercise can while away a good few hours at the Aquasportif – which has pools of all shapes and sizes as well as a gym and sports courts and a wellness centre.
If it’s partying you’re after in Val, it’s partying you’ve got. Local legends include Dicks T bar and the Folie Douce – both absolute must-visits if you want to sample the après here.
Ask us about our group deals and discounts to see if they apply to you. Our group holidays come with flights and transfers, channel crossings or just accommodation-only depending on your plans. Search below or give our ski specialists a call for all the advice and assistance you need to make choosing and booking as easy as possible.
Which are the best ski holidays in Val d'Isere?
| Accommodation | Number of nights | Price (per person) from |
|---|---|---|
| Chalet Tolima | 7 | £ 952 |
| Chalet La Rocheure | 7 | £ 1339 |
| Club Med Val d'Isère | 7 | £ 2007 |
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