Val d’Isere Resort Guide

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned skier, this guide aims to provide all the essential information you need to make the most of your stay.

Resort Overview

Snow

On-Piste

Lifts

Off-Piste

Beginners

Nightlife

Val d’Isère is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and exceptional skiing. With its high-altitude setting, the resort boasts reliable snow conditions from early December to early May, making it a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Val d’Isère offers seamless access to the expansive Espace Killy ski area, shared with neighbouring Tignes, providing a vast playground for skiers and snowboarders.

The resort is celebrated for its diverse range of slopes that cater to all skill levels. Beginners can enjoy gentle nursery slopes at the top of the mountain, offering stunning views and a perfect setting to build confidence. Intermediate skiers can challenge themselves on renowned red runs like the OK and Cascade, while advanced skiers can conquer iconic black runs such as La Face and Epaule du Charvet. For the adventurous, Val d’Isère is a paradise for off-piste skiing, with varied terrain and endless descents.

Beyond the slopes, Val d’Isère’s vibrant après-ski scene is unmatched. From the high-energy vibes of La Folie Douce to the lively atmosphere of Le Cocorico, there’s something for everyone. For those seeking relaxation, the Centre Aquasportif offers a tranquil escape with its array of wellness facilities.

Accommodation in Val d’Isère is as varied as its slopes, ranging from luxurious hotels like Hôtel Les Barmes de l’Ours to charming chalets and budget-friendly options such as the Skilodge. The resort’s culinary scene is equally diverse, with dining experiences that span from Michelin-starred restaurants like La Table de l’Ours to budget burgers like Le Petit Danois.

Whether you’re drawn by the promise of pristine snow, incredible skiing, the nightlife or the allure of alpine luxury, Val d’Isère offers an unforgettable ski holiday experience that caters to every preference and budget.

At a Glance

Key Features

Ski Area: Escape Killy
Nearest International Airport: Geneva

Altitude

1900m

Pistes

300km

Total Lifts

Longest Run

10km

Skiing in Val d’Isere

As part of the expansive Espace Killy, which it shares with neighbouring Tignes, the resort offers an impressive array of slopes that cater to skiers of all abilities.

For beginners, Val d’Isère provides an exceptional learning environment. The Zone Debutant, located at the top of the Solaise bubble, is an ideal starting point with its gentle terrain and series of magic carpets that help build confidence. As beginners progress, they can explore additional green runs from the top of the Olympique Bubble, linking runs like Borsat, Grand Pre, and Fontaine Froid.

Intermediate skiers will find plenty of excitement on the renowned red runs. The OK run, a famous World Cup downhill course, offers a thrilling challenge with its steeper sections, while the Cascade run on the Glacier du Pissaillas ensures excellent snow coverage and a quieter experience amidst stunning alpine scenery.

For advanced skiers seeking more demanding terrain, Val d’Isère doesn’t disappoint. The iconic La Face run, originally designed for the 1992 Winter Olympics, provides a steep challenge with a dramatic vertical drop. The Epaule du Charvet, an ungroomed black piste, offers a long mogul descent perfect for expert skiers who relish a tough ride.

Not to be overlooked, Val d’Isère is a paradise for off-piste adventurers. The resort’s varied terrain, from steep chutes to expansive bowls, combined with its reliable snow, attracts off-piste enthusiasts from around the globe, promising endless exploration and thrills.

Val d’Isère’s integration with the Tignes ski area creates the vast Espace Killy, offering access to an unmatched range of skiing experiences. Whether you’re carving down perfectly groomed pistes or venturing off the beaten path, Val d’Isère offers an unparalleled skiing that caters to every level of expertise.

Discover Val d’lsere Ski School