Val d’Isere Ski Resort
Val d’Isere is one of the most famous ski destinations in the world and lives up to its legendary reputation for grandeur and excitement. At an altitude of 6069 feet (1850 meters), Val d’Isere is also among Europe’s highest ski villages sitting below 186 miles (300km) of trails located between 7545 feet (2300 meters) and 11,155 feet (3400 meters). This great elevation helps the ski area attract such abundant snow that the season starts in the last week of November and runs until the first week in May – before kicking off again in summer on the highest glaciers for a few weeks usually in June and July. There is a wide choice of ski schools here too.
Val d’Isere’s large village nestles in a picturesque setting at the end of a valley. Dotted with quaint chalets and charming baroque churches, it is one of the most attractive in the French alps. Val d’Isere is very lively in the evening. Nightclubs, art galleries and fancy restaurants including Michelin-star dining are par for the course, the resort being as high on the list for the well-heeled as it is for all. Many lodges are ski-in ski-out, and there is a free shuttle bus for getting around the resort.
The slopes of Val d’Isere divide into three main sectors with the Bellevarde mountain area the best known and location of Val D’Isere’s famous downhill course. Val d’Isere is far and away one of the best resorts for the advanced skier, driven by its many steep runs and extensive lift-accessed off-piste. Some of these off-piste areas are also ideal for adventurous intermediates looking to master the demands of skiing beyond resort boundaries.
Val d’Isere has produced several champion skiers and racers, arguably the most well-known being Jean-Claude Killy who won three medals at the Grenoble Olympic Games in 1968. Val d’Isère and neighbouring ski area Tignes were named l’Espace Killy, in his honor.
Val d’Isere Snow Report
Val d’Isere 15-Day Forecast
Val d’Isere Accommodation, Lodging & Hotel Options
Accommodation, lifts, lessons and package deals will launch in 2019 for the 2019/20 season.
Val d’Isere Statistics
| Skiable Terrain | 300 km of piste. 24,700 acres |
| Vertical | 1605 m (5269 ft) |
| Top Elevation | 3,197 m 10,488 ft |
| Base Elevation | 1,850 m 6069 ft |
| Average Snowfall | 5.25 m (207 in / 17 ft) |
| Beginner Terrain | 22% |
| Intermediate Terrain | 4% |
| Advanced Terrain | 40% |
| Trails | 151 (Green 22, Blue 68, Red 39, Black 22) |
| Parks | 1 |
| Winter lifts Total | 70 + 2 Funiculars |
| Gondolas Trams | 10 |
| Chair Lifts | 38 |
| Surface Lifts | 22 |
| Longest Run | 6.5 km (4 mi) |
| Season Opens | November |
| Season Closes | May |
How To Get To Val d’Isere
Flying To Val d’Isere
Geneva 3 hrs
Lyon 3 hrs
Chambery 2 hrs
Grenoble 2hrs 45
1 heliport with organised transfers
There are may options for flying with the greatest number of flights available going into Geneva. There are various transfer companies operating from all of the airports to Val d’Isere ,with a greater frequency at the weekends. There is also a public bus to and from Geneva several times each day. It also possible to rent a car and drive to resort however you should be prepared to drive on mountain roads in winter conditions. Parking charges apply in resort. Once you are in resort, there is no need to use a car as there an excellent, frequent bus service running round the resort all day and until late at night.
By Train
The closest train station is at Bourg-Saint-Maurice (45 mins), which offers an excellent and frequent service including high-speed rail options (TGV, Eurostar, Thalys).
Transfers To Val d’Isere
There are regular bus or private transfers (multilingual taxis) from the airports and train station in Bourg-St-Maurice.
