Guide to Skiing in Val d'Isere

Val d'Isere Village & Ski Lifts

The resort of Val d’Isère is spread along a mile-long valley and includes several satellite hamlets, the most well-known being La Daille at the entrance to the resort and Le Fornet at the far end. The main village, with its pretty stone buildings and twinkling lights, is a vibrant hub filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and luxury chalets. Despite its international popularity, it has managed to retain a rustic Savoyard character that lends it a timeless appeal.

The main lift hub is located just out of the village centre. From this area, you can ascend to either the Bellevarde or Solaise mountains. The Bellevarde sector offers access to La Daille, where the Funival funicular and gondola whisk skiers up to Col de Fresse and on to the Toviere area that links into Tignes. The Solaise area, ideal for beginners and intermediates, connects to Le Laisinant and the high Col de l’Iseran which leads to Le Fornet. From here, advanced skiers can head up to the Pissaillas glacier, one of the highest points in the resort.

Val d'Isere Skiing

Beginner Skiing in Val d'Isere

Val d’Isère offers an exceptional variety of terrain across its ski area. While it is often perceived as a resort for advanced skiers due to its challenging pistes, it caters to all abilities.

Beginners benefit from two dedicated nursery slopes: one in the village centre and one at the bottom of La Daille. Wide and gentle green runs such as Verte on Bellevarde and Madeleine on Solaise are ideal for learners. The Solaise beginner area even features several covered magic carpets, providing a safe and comfortable learning environment.

Once beginners are ready to progress, they can head up to the blue runs around the Col de l’Iseran. These pistes are high, wide, and often uncrowded, maintaining good snow conditions thanks to their altitude. Blue runs such as Aiguille Pers, Pont Abatte, and Pyramides provide the perfect progression.

It is important to note that piste grading in Val d’Isère tends to be on the tougher side, with some blue runs comparable to reds in other resorts, so beginners should take their time building confidence.

Intermediate Skiing in Val d'Isere

For intermediates, Val d’Isère is a true paradise. The resort features over 100 blue and red runs, offering a variety of scenic cruises and more challenging terrain. The long descents to La Daille are a highlight, particularly the Orange and OK Coupe du Monde red runs. These pistes drop over 1,000 vertical metres and offer thrilling, rolling terrain best enjoyed early in the day when they are freshly groomed.

Other top runs include those from the Solaise summit to Le Laisinant and the blues from the Col de l’Iseran.

Expert Skiers in Val d'Isere

Advanced skiers are spoiled for choice in Val d’Isère. The resort boasts around 25 black runs, with the most famous being La Face de Bellevarde. This steep and challenging slope, host to the World Cup Downhill in December, is best tackled first thing in the morning for smooth, corduroy snow. Another formidable run is Epaule du Charvet, known for its relentless pitch and the connection to the narrow Santon piste.

Skiing Off-Piste in Val d'Isere

Off-piste enthusiasts will find some of the best terrain the Alps. On the Bellevarde side, popular itineraries include La Banane, Tour de Charvet and the Face du Charvet. On Solaise, the Lavancher Couloir and Super L offer further challenges. For untouched powder and scenic tree skiing, head to Le Fornet, where the terrain is steep, deep, and perfect for experienced riders.

Boarding & Freestyle Skiing in Val d'Isere

Val d’Isère is also a favourite with snowboarders thanks to its minimal drag lifts and extensive freeride terrain. Both Val d’Isère and Tignes feature snowparks. Val’s snowpark is located in the Bellevarde bowl and includes progressive lines for all levels, from beginner kickers and rails to a mini-pipe. Though the park’s dedicated drag lift can be slow, the features are worth the wait.

Tignes offers a larger park and a superpipe for more serious freestyle riders.

Ski Touring & Cross Country Skiing in Val d'Isere

For those looking to explore the mountains in a more serene and adventurous way, Val d’Isère offers incredible ski touring opportunities. One popular tour is the recently opened route in the La Daille sector, which features a 450-metre ascent over 2.5 km on the Triffolet trail, winding through forested paths.

For a more intense climb, attempt the Solaise ascent via the Ecureuil sector, which offers 400 metres of elevation gain through the Rogoney forest. Due to the remote and sometimes unpredictable nature of these environments, it is strongly recommended that you enlist the services of the local guide office or ski schools.

Val d’Isère is also a haven for cross-country and Nordic skiers, with around 20 kilometres of trails spread across several beautiful sectors. At 2,500 metres above sea level, the Ouillette lake area is home to two stunning cross-country ski loops, while La Daille plain features a more gentle 2.55 km blue loop ideal for beginners or those seeking a leisurely pace. Meanwhile, the Manchet Valley boasts trails that stretch to the edge of the Vanoise National Park, with a 3.1 km blue trail and a more demanding 8.8 km red loop.

Top Ski Schools in Val d'Isere

• The Development Centre (TDC): Ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers looking to refine their technique. Their ski clinics focus on improving technical skills and mountain awareness with small group sizes or private coaching. For teens, the TDCSki Academy provides tailored coaching on performance, racing, and freestyle.
• Evolution 2: Known not only for skiing and snowboarding instruction but also for organising exciting alternative activities. Their Mountain Yeti programme for kids includes igloo building, snowshoeing, and the Savoyard Olympics.
• Ecole du Ski Francais (ESF): Offers lessons for all levels and ages, with almost 250 English-speaking instructors. Their Piou Piou Club is ideal for toddlers, while older children and adults can enjoy freestyle lessons and off-piste instruction.
• Oxygene: Offers a more bespoke experience with handpicked instructors providing group and private ski or snowboard lessons, off-piste guiding, and ski touring. They can also organise in-chalet equipment fitting and alternative experiences such as e-fat biking.
• Progression Ski: Known for its friendly and passionate instructors. They offer private and group lessons, as well as specialised clinics for carving, bumps, and off-piste skiing. Their children’s programmes are particularly engaging, complete with educational materials, certificates and video feedback.

Planning your Ski Holiday to Val d'Isere

When to Ski in Val d'Isere

Timing your visit depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. December brings festive charm, New Year’s celebrations and good early-season snow on the glacier. January is quieter and colder, offering powder and perfect piste conditions. February is busier with school holidays but often sees reliable snow cover. March and April deliver longer days, milder temperatures and excellent spring skiing, particularly up at the glacier.

Val d'Isere Ski Pass Options

Ski pass options are available for the Val d’Isère-Tignes area and can be purchased for a range of durations from half a day (starting at EUR 49) to multiple weeks (906 EUR). Families and groups can benefit from discounted bundles, while free beginner passes are available for specific areas like the nursery slopes. Passes can be bought online in advance or from kiosks in resort. Daily, weekly and seasonal pedestrian passes are also available.

Equipment Rental & Storage in Val d'Isere

Planning your ski holiday in Val d’Isère requires some consideration. When it comes to ski hire, we can help pre-arrange rentals and deliver them directly to your accommodation. If you wish to book this yourself, we recommend using Snowberry or Intersport Front de Neige which are both centrally located and offer top of the range equipment and overnight ski storage.

How to Get to Val d'Isere

Flying to Val d'Isere:

There are four international airports within a three-hour drive: Chambery (144 km), Grenoble (217 km), Lyon (221 km) and Geneva (223 km). Geneva is typically the most popular choice due to frequent flights and competitive prices.

Airport Transfers to Val d'Isere:

Once landed, you can opt for a private transfer, shared shuttle or rental car. Private transfers are the most convenient and can be arranged through trusted operators such as SnowDrone Transfers and Taxi Papillon. These companies offer comfortable and reliable service with fleets including Volkswagen Caravelles, Mercedes V-Class vehicles and even Teslas.

Arriving by Train:

The resort is around 30 km from Bourg St Maurice, which has a train station connecting to Paris via high-speed TGV services. The train journey takes between five and six hours with a few changes. From Bourg, you can take a 45-minute transfer by taxi, private shuttle or bus.

Driving to Val d'Isere

Although having a car in Val d’Isère is not essential thanks to the resort’s efficient free shuttle buses, it can provide flexibility if you plan to explore the area. That said, the road from Bourg St Maurice is steep and winding, so drivers should come prepared with snow tyres and chains.

Summary

Val d’Isère offers not only some of the best skiing in the Alps but also a complete mountain holiday experience. Whether you're carving turns on pristine pistes, tackling legendary off-piste descents, perfecting your skills with expert instructors or soaking in the atmosphere of its vibrant village, Val d’Isère never fails to impress. With luxury accommodation, exceptional dining, world-class ski schools and reliable snow, this iconic resort promises an unforgettable escape into the heart of the Alps.