Val d'Isere ski and snowboard resort
Val d’Isere is truly one of the worlds most famous winter ski and snowboard resorts, and rightly so. Situated in a high valley previously used as a hunting ground for the Dukes of Savoie, Val d’Isere now attracts skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. The sheer amount of choice available in Val d’Isere makes it a mecca for skiing, snowboarding and telemarking enthusiasts of all nationalities.
The off piste skiing is huge in Val d’Isere and a fully qualified ski instructor, snowboard teacher or mountain guide is recommended to make full use of the enormous area available. Every year it holds the first European World Cup downhill ski race of the season known as Le Première Neige, an adrenalin fuelled descent down the famous OK piste in La Daille.
Val d'Isere resort ski lift system
Val d'Isere has a huge lift system. Val d’Isere forms one of the world’s largest ski and snowboarding regions in the world and has great links to the neighbouring winter resort of Tignes. The area is known as L'Espace Killy, named after the great French Olympic downhill skier, Jean-Claude Killy who lives in the region.
L'Espace Killy provides a variety of skiing and snowboarding that is hard to beat and skiers, snowboarders and telemarkers come back year after year and still discover new areas to explore. If the huge ski area of L'Espace Killy is not enough to keep you occupied then the winter resorts of Les Arcs and La Plagne are within one hours drive.
L'Espace Killy provides a variety of skiing and snowboarding that is hard to beat and skiers, snowboarders and telemarkers come back year after year and still discover new areas to explore. If the huge ski area of L'Espace Killy is not enough to keep you occupied then the winter resorts of Les Arcs and La Plagne are within one hours drive.
Val d'Isere, France
Spread along the valley floor the town of Val d’Isere is named after the river Isere that flows through the centre on its way to the mighty river Rhone. Made up of five hamlets comprising Le Fornet, Le Manchet, Le Chatelard, La Daille and Le Laisinant, the two main hamlets of La Daille and Le Fornet have different characteristics but both serve as a convenient base for access to the ski and snowboard area. La Daille is mostly made up of modern well built apartments spread either side of the main road whilst Le Fornet is a small village with older chalet style accommodation.
The main town of Val d’Isere is a cosmopolitan mix of sports shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Most of the accommodation in Val d’Isere is in luxurious large chalets, catered medium sized chalets, apartment blocks and good quality hotels ranging from 2 start to 4 star +. Recent years have seen big improvements in the architecture and Val d’Isere is a pleasant mix of traditional wooden buildings and low level apartments.
The main town of Val d’Isere is a cosmopolitan mix of sports shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Most of the accommodation in Val d’Isere is in luxurious large chalets, catered medium sized chalets, apartment blocks and good quality hotels ranging from 2 start to 4 star +. Recent years have seen big improvements in the architecture and Val d’Isere is a pleasant mix of traditional wooden buildings and low level apartments.
Val d'Isere resort details
Beginners |
Very good |
|---|---|
Intermediates |
Excellent |
Advanced |
Excellent |
On piste |
Excellent |
Off piste |
Excellent |
Snowboarding |
Very good |
Extensive area |
Excellent |
Restaurants |
Very good |
Night life |
Very good |
Snow record |
Excellent |
Resort charm |
Very good |
Travelling times to Val d'Isere (are approximate)
Geneva |
3.5 hours |
|---|---|
Lyon |
3 hours |
Chambéry |
2 hours |
Bourg St Maurice |
0.5 hours |
Resort altitude |
1850 m |
Vertical drop |
1850 m - 3450 m |
Up lift capacity |
90 lifts |
Piste KM |
300 |
Mountain Restaurants and Apres Ski in Val d'Isere
Val d’Isere has an abundance of excellent quality mountain restaurants. Above the hamlet of Le Fornet on the blue graded Mangard piste is L'Edelweiss, a mountain hut with a log fire serving good meat and fish dishes. La Fruitiere situated on the OK piste above La Daille serves an excellent mix of high quality dishes, a popular spot. Le Trifollet and Les Tufs down near the foot of the OK piste are decent alternatives if you would like a pizza or a steak cooked over an open fire!. Le Signal at the top of the Le Fornet cable car has a reputation for excellent food and good service in the upstairs section. Downstairs there is a good self service area. At the foot of the slopes at Bellevarde, Bananas serves burgers, traditional eggs and bacon and Tex Mex style food.
There is an abundance of excellent quality restaurants to be found in Val d’Isere. La Grande Ourse next to the nursery slopes comes highly recommended. In the Hotel Le Blizzard you can find great quality food in a pleasant atmosphere. La Taverne d'Alsace serves traditional French fare. L'Atelier d'Edmond in Le Fornet is a charming addition to the restaurant scene providing a rustic setting and extensive menu. Val d’Isere also has a selection of great bars and Cafés. Popular choices include Le Petit Danois, The Pacific and Le Pub which all provide a great atmosphere. Later on Dick’s Tea Bar is a legendry nightclub and disco where you can party to the early hours.
There is an abundance of excellent quality restaurants to be found in Val d’Isere. La Grande Ourse next to the nursery slopes comes highly recommended. In the Hotel Le Blizzard you can find great quality food in a pleasant atmosphere. La Taverne d'Alsace serves traditional French fare. L'Atelier d'Edmond in Le Fornet is a charming addition to the restaurant scene providing a rustic setting and extensive menu. Val d’Isere also has a selection of great bars and Cafés. Popular choices include Le Petit Danois, The Pacific and Le Pub which all provide a great atmosphere. Later on Dick’s Tea Bar is a legendry nightclub and disco where you can party to the early hours.
