Val d’Isère is celebrated across Europe for its exceptional skiing, gourmet cuisine, après-ski nightlife, spas, and luxurious lodgings. Interestingly, this iconic ski destination at 1850 meters in the French Alps remains relatively undiscovered by Americans.
Famous for nurturing French Olympic skier Jean-Claude Killy, Val d’Isère gained international recognition by hosting the Men’s Downhill events during the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics. The extensive ski area, linked with nearby Tignes, boasts over 300 kilometers of pistes and 10,000 hectares of ski terrain serviced by 78 lifts. Impressively, about 60% of its 153 trails and terrain are above 2200 meters, with elevations ranging from 3450 meters to 1550 meters. Val also features Europe’s largest snowmaking facility, ensuring snow coverage even in dry seasons.
Situated close to the Italian border, Val d’Isère offers some of the finest on and off-piste skiing worldwide. It caters to skiers of all levels, from novices to experts, with trail markings indicating difficulty: green for beginners, blue for easy, red for intermediate, and black for advanced runs. Notably, Val’s red trails might be classified as black at other resorts.
Val d’Isère’s diverse runs make it perfect for family vacations, ski trips with friends, or corporate retreats, accommodating all skill levels. Its long season and unique microclimate, which often sees significant snowfall, add to its appeal. In January 2018, over six meters of snow fell within six days, highlighting its exceptional snow conditions.
The ski area includes three main zones: Le Fornet, Solaise, and Bellevarde/La Daille. From mid-mountain, the zones spread out in all directions, allowing for extensive skiing opportunities, including a run from the Pissaillas glacier to Tignes Les Brevières, which can take two to two and a half hours for skilled skiers. With 78 fast lifts and numerous off-piste areas to explore, guided tours reveal slopes even lifelong skiers may not have discovered.
Ski schools typically start at the mountain base, progressing to higher elevations. Beginners can enjoy easy green runs before moving to more challenging blue runs. Val offers a discounted lift pass for beginners, and lift tickets here are generally cheaper than in North America.
Getting There: Access Val d’Isère via Geneva or Lyon airports, with private transfers taking 2.5 to 3 hours. Smaller airports like Grenoble and Chambéry are closer but have fewer flights. Reliable transfer services include Mountain Rescue Transfers and SnowDrone Transfers. Alternatively, a helicopter transfer from Geneva takes about 30 minutes.
Where to Stay: Val d’Isère features high-end chalet rentals and five-star hotels like Les Barmes de l’Ours, Le Blizzard Hotel, and Hotel Avenue Lodge. These accommodations offer luxurious amenities, including indoor pools and home cinemas.
Renting Equipment: Snowberry, renowned for its top-notch rental services, offers equipment from brands like Atomic and Salomon. Their meticulous fitting service ensures comfort and performance.
Buying Ski Passes: Day passes cost 57 Euros, while a six-day pass is 285 Euros. Children under five and seniors over 75 ski for free, with some beginner lifts also free.
Ski Guides and Instructors: Numerous ski schools, including ESF and Oxygene Ski & Snowboard School, offer lessons and guides for exploring Val’s extensive terrain. Private guides are available for personalized off-piste adventures.
Après Ski: Val d’Isère boasts vibrant après-ski options. La Folie Douce, known for its food and entertainment, hosts daily performances and DJ sets. Cocorico offers live music and dancing in the village. Nightclubs like Dicks Tea Bar provide nightlife from midnight to 5 am.
Staying in Geneva: Spending the last night in Geneva allows for an extra morning of skiing before a convenient transfer to the airport. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix is a top choice, offering luxury and proximity to Lake Geneva and the airport.
About the Author: Carrie Coolidge, a Pursuitist contributor from Manhattan, has a rich background in luxury lifestyle journalism. She previously co-edited Luxist and served as a staff writer at Forbes, covering various topics including real estate and personal finance. She is the author of six books and can be followed on Twitter @carriecoolidge 【3†source】 .