Val d’Isère

Few names in the ski world carry the same weight as Val d’Isère. Sitting high in the Haute Tarentaise at 1,850 m, this is a resort with pedigree. It has hosted Olympic races, World Cup legends, and countless lifelong ski memories. Linked seamlessly with neighbouring Tignes to form the Val d’Isère–Tignes ski area, it offers an impressive 300 km of runs spread across glacier terrain, steep descents, and beginner-friendly slopes. Snow reliability here is rarely in question, with the season stretching from late November through early May.

But Val d’Isère is not just about big numbers. It has an authentic alpine soul, with stone-and-wood chalets, a Baroque church at its centre, and a lively, cosmopolitan buzz that runs through the season.

Skiing & Snowboarding

The ski area has something for everyone. Beginners are looked after on the Solaise sector, home to one of the best nursery zones in the Alps with covered magic carpets and wide, forgiving pistes. Intermediates can cover huge distances on rolling reds and scenic blues, from the Le Fornet glacier down to La Daille.

Advanced skiers, though, will feel the greatest pull. The Face de Bellevarde remains one of the most famous black runs in the world – host to Olympic downhill and World Cup events – and is a test piece for anyone who takes it on. Off-piste opportunities are endless, with guides unlocking hidden valleys, tree runs, and serious couloirs. For guaranteed snow and long, high-altitude descents, the Pissaillas Glacier above Le Fornet is unbeatable.

Ski Lift Passes

Val d’Isère and Tignes share a full-area lift pass, giving access to the entire 300 km ski domain.

• Adult: ~€69/day | ~€345 for 6 days
• Child (5–13): ~€59/day | ~€295 for 6 days
• Senior (65–74): ~€59/day
• Under 5s & over 75s: Free

Deals:

• Family passes available with discounts.
• Beginner passes at lower cost for the Solaise learning zone.
• Season passes include perks such as summer lift access, entry to leisure facilities, and days in partner resorts.

With two glaciers and lifts running up to 3,456 m, this is one of the most snow-sure ski passes in Europe.

Accommodation

Val d’Isère has built a reputation for offering some of the best accommodation in the Alps.

• Budget: Self-catered apartments and simpler hotels in La Daille.
• Mid-Range: 3★ and 4★ chalet-hotels in the town centre.
• Luxury: Val d’Isère excels at the high end. Les Barmes de l’Ours combines Michelin-starred dining with a world-class spa, while Airelles Val d’Isère is among the most exclusive ski-in/ski-out hotels in the Alps.

Dining & Après

The resort’s reputation for après-ski is as strong as its skiing. La Folie Douce at the top of the La Daille gondola is legendary – a high-altitude party with DJs, live performers, and dancing in ski boots every afternoon.

Dining covers the full spectrum. Traditional Savoyard dishes – fondue, raclette, tartiflette – are served in cosy mountain restaurants. For fine dining, Val d’Isère is a genuine gourmet destination, with Michelin-starred restaurants such as La Table de l’Ours and elegant options at Airelles.

Non-Skiing Activities

Val d’Isère is as much a winter playground off the slopes as on them. The Centre Aquasportif offers pools, a wellness spa, climbing walls, and fitness facilities. Families love the village ice rink, while adventurers can try ice driving, paragliding, or dog sledding. There’s also a cinema, bowling alley, and regular cultural events, from concerts to torchlit descents.

Village Character & Access

Val d’Isère blends traditional Savoyard architecture with modern facilities, creating an atmosphere that is both charming and cosmopolitan.

How to get there from the UK:

• By air: Geneva (3 hrs), Chambéry (2.5 hrs), Lyon (3 hrs), Grenoble (3 hrs).
• By train: Eurostar Ski Train or TGV to Bourg-Saint-Maurice (30 km away), then shuttle or taxi.
• By car: Around 9–10 hours from Calais.

InTheSnow Verdict

Val d’Isère has earned its reputation as one of the world’s great ski resorts. It combines snow reliability, a vast and varied ski area, and genuine alpine character. The terrain is particularly suited to advanced skiers, but beginners and intermediates are equally well catered for, and the après-ski and dining scene is among the best in the Alps.

For anyone seeking a destination that delivers across the board – on the slopes, in the village, and well into the evening – Val d’Isère remains a benchmark resort in the Alps.