Resort guides > France > Val d’Isère
It’s the perfect all-round ski resort, but the long transfer might not suit beginners
We love the world-class skiing of the Tignes – Val d’Isère ski area, with a huge variety of terrain so there is plenty for all levels of skier. Being fairly high altitude, the snow record is one of the best of any resort in the Alps. And we love the buzzing nightlife and lively après scene.
Val d’Isère has the advantage of altitude, with most of the skiing being well above 2000m and extending up to an impressive 3450m. As a result, the snow record is extremely good and you can be confident of finding some decent snow when staying at a luxury ski chalet in Val d’Isere.
Val d’Isère and the Tignes – Val d’Isère lift system is modern and efficient and copes with the crowds very well, so queuing is not really an issue even in peak times.
A long-time favourite of the in-crowd, Val d’Isère has a chic and stylish ‘je ne sais quoi’ and has maintained a certain Alpine charm despite being quite large as ski resorts go. There are a huge number of stylish boutiques and ski shops to keep you entertained off the slopes on a luxury ski holiday here, keeping visitors in Gucci sunglasses.
Find out more about the ski area in the skiing section of the guide
Open all year round, this French resort has peak seasons in both summer and winter. The ski passes run from December to April, and due to the high altitude, the area is great for skiing anytime in the whole season. It’s at its liveliest around Christmas, New Year and school half terms. If you want to avoid the crowds and spend less, travel outside those times, but you would miss some of the atmosphere and special events.
I think Christmas is the best time to visit, because the town goes all out on the festivities.
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Val d’Isère has a reputation as being one of the best ski resorts in the world, and for good reason. For a start, it’s vast. The ski area links in with Tignes and offers a plentiful supply of well-groomed pistes for beginners and intermediates. For the more advanced skiers, there are monster mogul fields, steep blacks, some epic off-piste bowls and couloirs and for the speed junkies, there’s the legendary Olympic men’s downhill run. Not forgetting the variety of luxury ski chalets on offer.
Val d’Isère also has the advantage of altitude, with most of the skiing being well above 2000m and extending up to an impressive 3450m. As a result, the snow record is extremely good and you can be confident of finding some decent snow on your luxury ski holiday.
The Val d’Isère lift system is modern and efficient and copes with the crowds very well, so queuing is not really an issue even in peak times.
| Lift Type | Total (75) |
|---|---|
| Cable Cars | 3 |
| Gondolas | 6 |
| Chairlifts | 39 |
| Drag Lifts | 17 |
| Magic Carpets | 8 |
Funicular | 2 |
Walking up even the smallest slope is no fun. Luckily, ski passes grant access to lift systems.
The cost of lift passes funds the maintenance of the mountains.
It’s usually best to get a ski pass for 1 less day than you are staying in the area, e.g. 6 days for a 7-night stay.
There are three passes available here, one for the whole Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area (300km), one just for the Val d’Isere half (150km), and another for Solaise, which is a small beginners’ area (41km) next to the town.
I recommend getting the full pass, so you can explore the whole area. This avoids confusion when deciding where to ski, as you can access any lift you can ski to. However, if you are new to skiing, spending your first day on the Solaise pass might be a wise move, so you “learn to swim in a pond before diving into the ocean”.
Most people that don’t live in ski towns rent their skis, rather than going through the hassle of buying, storing and carrying them from home.
The best ski hire solution for you depends on where you are staying and whether you have any special requirements. For example, if you are staying in an apartment above a ski shop, it will be best to pop downstairs to get measured for boots, skis, poles and helmets. You can then take them away for the week and return them before you leave.
However, if you are not near a shop, there are other arrangements that can be made. Some of the finest luxury chalets come with specialist ski butlers who come to your chalet and do all the running around for you. Some will even have your ski room stocked with equipment before your arrival.
We can sort this all out for you if you book your chalet with us.
Which school and lessons are right are dependent on your skill, learning style and where you are staying. We can recommend a ski school if you book your ski chalet with the Firefly Collection.
The area has 2 snow parks, one on the Val d’Isère side of the mountain ranges and one on the Tignes side.
Of the 70-plus restaurants, two stand out. Try La Becca – the young chef was awarded a Michelin-star in 2011, and Table de l’Ours, also Michelin-starred.
Up the mountain and away from your ski chalet, most restaurants are of the self-serve variety, but the Edelweiss, above Le Fornet, is consistently recommended by critics. Most of the better mountain restaurants are strung along the Verte piste from Rocher de Belvarde to La Daille, namely Belvarde Altitude, Les Marmottes, La Folie Douce, Le Trifollet and Les Tufs.
There is no shortage of bars, happy hours and clubs if you feel like hitting the town after skiing or dinner. You have to go to the Folie Douce, the legendary mountaintop party place, even if its champagne-popping cabaret-dancing glitz is a bit brash for your taste. It’s a sight to behold.
In town, you’re never more than a short walk from a brilliant bar that you’d happily spend your whole holiday in. If I could only go to the best of the best during my trip, I’d prioritise Cocorico, and get there early to avoid the inevitable queues that form for its brilliant live music and electric atmosphere. Later in the evening, Le Petit Danois is the place to be, it’s a little rough around the edges, but the cosy low ceilings, pool tables and pumping music are as intoxicating as the high-strength Danish beer served across the bar.
If you want to splash some cash on the latest fashion, you’re in for a treat. The large town centre, between the two roundabouts either end of town, houses a great selection of big brands and local gems.
The gorgeously futuristic neon-bathed Moncler store is perfect for picking up the highest quality outerwear to look and feel the part on the slopes. You’ll find other mountain-minded brands throughout the town, including North Face, Patagonia and Columbia.
If you are looking for something special, the charming boutique Point Break offers a rotating, curated selection of beautiful pieces. There are plenty of other permanent and pop-up boutiques to find around town, catering to a variety of tastes.
There is plenty to do beyond the skiing and snowboarding Val d’Isère is famous for.
One of the most memorable experiences for any winter sports enthusiast is to try your hand at a biathlon. Biathlon is one of my favourite sports in the Winter Olympics, where contenders swap between cross-country skiing and shooting targets. It’s perfect for those who find fun in new challenges. Altitude Biathlon offers a variety of packages for those up to the challenge.
If you’d rather take in the views without breaking a sweat, book yourself in for a dog sledging experience. It’s a unique way to see the Alps and a must for dog lovers. I’d personally recommend Evolution 2 as the top dog in the area.
You can’t miss the sledge area if you have kids in your group, especially if they are struggling to learn to ski. Sledging is a lot easier and is great for building confidence on the slopes. If a classic sledge is not your style, try a Snooc. These are the new toys in town, consisting of a single ski with a raised seat and steering/braking column. Snoocs are available to rent around Val d’Isère and are great fun.
Speaking of new toys, there are plenty for bigger boys and girls to enjoy too. If you want to go wild, try your hand at driving a snowmobile (also known as a skidoo), which can zip over the snow at nearly 100mph. These are serious bits of kit that require a valid driving license to hire and a level head to drive safely. You can get training and driving sessions from Evolution 2.
If snowmobiles are a little intimidating, you might be interested in a motorised Moonbike. They are to snowmobiles what mopeds are to motorbikes: smaller and easier to control. Moonbikes can reach 26mph, which feels a lot safer when whipping around corners in the snow, but is still great fun.
Not interested in snowmobiles or moonbikes? Get yourself an electric fat bike (no, that’s not a rude name for an exercise bike). Fat bikes are classic mountain bikes but with giant tyres that can tackle snow. Add electric power, and you’re able to easily fly through the beautiful Alpine valleys. This experience is available via Wattsup.
If you love racing, snow buggies are ski resorts’ answer to go-karts, and Val d’Isère has one of the few snow buggy racing tracks in Europe. Race your family and friends on the 240m track on the roof of the Aquasportif centre. Find out more here.
If all of the above sounds a little too strenuous for you, and you want a real retreat, the answer is a spa day. Luckily, ski resorts are synonymous with spas. Whether you want to soothe your sore muscles after a few days skiing or spend your entire trip soaking your cares and woes away, the answer is a spa day. There are at least 10 spas, wellness centres, and relaxation centres open daily throughout winter, which you can browse here.
Paragliding in winter can be chilly, but when you wrap up right, there’s no better way to take in the breathtaking sights of the valley of Isere. If I could only do one of these activities, a tandem paraglide with Parapente Val d’Isère would be the one.
If you’re looking to take a break from the bustle of the slopes but keep on the winter wonderland theme, ice skating is hard to beat. Ice skating is especially great for couples or families looking to slow down a little, and enjoy a quieter, more intimate time together. Just pop down to the open-air ice rink in the heart of the village, you can’t miss it.
Everyone has different travel preferences, that can be heavily influenced by where you are travelling from. So we have outlined each of the major routes below. However, for most travellers, the recommended route is to fly into Geneva and then get an airport transfer by car up to the resort. This takes less than 4 hours, and is a gorgeous experience in itself, as you drive through some of the most picturesque valleys in the Alps.
The closest airports are Geneva, Chambery and Lyon. Please be aware that transfer times may be longer during peak weeks and poor weather conditions. If short transfer times are your priority, check out our guide to resorts near Geneva Airport, or browse our chalets with short transfer times.
How long is the flight to Geneva?
Frankfurt Airport: 1 hour 5 minutes
Paris, Charles de Gaul Airport: 1 hour 10 minutes
London, Heathrow Airport: 1 hour 40 minutes
Rome, Flumicino Airport: 1 hour 45 minutes
Madrid, Barajas Airport: 2 hours
New York, JFK Airport: 7 hours 35 minutes
Los Angeles, LAX Airport: 13 hours 25 minutes
How long is the transfer to Val d’Isere from Geneva?
By car: 3 hours 45 minutes
By train: 5 hours
By helicopter: 30 minutes
How long is the flight to Chambery?
The majority of access to this airport is by private jet.
How long is the transfer to Val d’Isere from Chambery?
By car: 2 hours 45 minutes
By train: 2 hours 45 minutes
By helicopter: 25 minutes
How long is the flight to Lyon?
Frankfurt Airport: 1 hour 15 minutes
Paris, Charles de Gaul Airport: No flights
London, Heathrow Airport: 1 hour 45 minutes
Rome, Flumicino Airport: 1 hour 30 minutes
Madrid, Barajas Airport: 1 hour 50 minutes
New York, JFK Airport: 10 hours 5 minutes
Los Angeles, LAX Airport: 13 hours 20 minutes
How long is the transfer to Val d’Isere from Lyon?
By car: 2 hours 45 minutes
By train: 4 hours 15 minutes
By helicopter: 50 minutes
Please be aware that transfer times may be longer during peak weeks and poor weather conditions. If short transfer times are your priority, check out our guide to resorts near Geneva Airport, or browse our chalets with short transfer times.
There’s no train station in Val d’Isère itself, but there’s a major station further down the valley in Bourg-Saint-Mourice. It’s easy to get there from major cities such as London (8 hours including 1 change), Paris (6 hours including 2 changes), Lyon (4 hours including 1 change) and Geneva (4 hours including 1 change).
Notably, it’s faster to drive to Val d’Isère from the nearby airports than to get the train to Bourg, assuming the traffic is on your side. But the train can be a better option if you want to avoid flights and the long transfer up mountain roads.
Getting from the train station to Val d’Isère takes around 45 minutes by car, or a little longer using the shuttle bus.
I would suggest to ski in Val d’Isere in February or March if I was purely focusing on skiing when most of the snow has already fallen, the Christmas crowd has dispersed, the temperature is a little more comfortable and there are more daylight hours to enjoy. Plus, you are more likely to get bluebird days.
It tends to snow a lot in Val d’Isere from November through to May. That makes the resort reliable for ski trips throughout winter.
| Average Snowfall | Snowfall Days | |
| November | 82cm | 5 days |
| December | 138cm | 10 days |
| January | 136cm | 10 days |
| February | 89cm | 9 days |
| March | 82cm | 9 days |
| April | 65cm | 7 days |
| May | 3cm | 1 Day |
| June | 0cm | 0 days |
Weather data is from snow-forecast.com, averaged from research spanning more than the last decade. The weather is different each year, but looking at historic averages, you can get a great idea of what to expect throughout the coming year.
Val d’Isère is open all year round, with a small local population. However, as a ski resort, many restaurants and other businesses centre their operating times around when the ski lifts are operating. The lifts start running in winter when the snow has begun to settle and stop in spring when the snow melts.
In winter, you can expect the first lifts to open, and the town to become livelier, at the end of November. They remain operational until the first week of May.
In summer, hiking and biking enthusiasts eagerly await the lifts opening at the start of June. They remain operational until the first week of September.
Get quick answers to frequently asked questions about skiing holidays in Val d’Isere, France
Val d’Isère is a town in the French Alps. The literal translation from French to English means the Valley of Isère because the town was founded near the glacial source of the Isère River, a major tributary to the Rhone, the only river flowing from the Alps to the Mediterranean Sea. The town had a long history before winter sports existed, with its church dating back to 1664 being one of the few not destroyed in the French Revolution. Prior to being one of Europe’s most popular ski resorts, it became a coveted area of natural beauty that explorers battled harsh conditions to plot routes to.
Today, vast improvements to the road networks in and around the valley have made this rare haven easily accessible. The drive from nearby Geneva airport is breathtaking, made all the more memorable when one remembers the centuries of care that have carved the routes into the rock.
Val d’Isère is regarded by many as the epitome of alpine allure, where breathtaking beauty, exclusivity, and world-class skiing converge in perfect harmony. Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, near the glacial source of the Isere River, this ski resort boasts pristine views of towering peaks and endless slopes that are as varied as the famous après-ski hotspots.
Tucked away in a remote valley, Val d’Isère is a winter wonderland world of its own, offering an indulgent dose of warm seclusion that other resorts give a taste of. While it may feel like an escape from the everyday, over 3 hours from Geneva, it’s far from inaccessible, with superb transport links to and around the town. The longer transfer puts off the faint-hearted, making it giving the place an exclusive, buzzing atmosphere free from the crush of other popular resorts.
Seasoned skiers know the impressive variety of terrain here would make the often-samey 3 Valleys blush, not for lack of reds. Carving through powder on the legendary Tignes-Val d’Isère ski areas diverse runs feel different each day. The unique bowls and valleys of the area make for a fun day out, surrounded by captivating views that beg you to stop and snap. The more serene, tree-lined runs, curled up on the mountains like a fireside dog, are a snowball throw from some of the most exciting skiing in the world. For regular skiers, the region leading off-piste terrain doesn’t factor in, and working your way up to tackling the infamous La Face is more than enough to whet any appetite.
Val d’Isère is home to the first and best Folie Douce (which have now spread across the Alps), where après takes on a whole new meaning. With top DJs spinning lively music over the surrounding mountain range, cabaret dancers, and a bustling crowd, it’s where ski boots come off and champagne corks pop. There’s no better way to wrap up a day on the slopes.
There is an unmistakable air of exclusivity in Val d’Isère, with its boutique shops, Michelin-starred dining, and luxury chalets. But the resort, with its ancient church, cobbled streets and close proximity to budget-friendly more modern Tignes, remains at its heart an old mountain village. You are not going to see the gold glint of Courchevel’s glitzy high street here, if that resort was Dubai, this would be Paris. Elegant.
Beyond the skiing, Val d’Isère’s unique culture adds another layer of appeal. With a charming blend of tradition and modernity, the village boasts centuries-old Savoyard roots and an inviting community spirit. From the traditional alpine architecture to its ultra-efficient ski lift network, the resort effortlessly balances its history with a forward-thinking approach.
Val d’Isère is as much about the experience off the slopes as it is on. It’s a place where exclusivity meets adventure, and where a little bit of luxury goes a long way.
The resort sits around 1,850 meters above sea level. Its higher altitude is one of its main draws, sitting above most other ski resorts. By comparison, Paris sits at 25m, the lowest altitude ski resorts in Europe are around 350m high and most ski resorts are between 500m and 1500m high. In Val d’Isère, the local ski lifts take you up as high as 3,450m, and for context the highest mountain in the Alps (Mont Blanc) towers above everything at 4,809m.
The weather is the main benefit of the high altitude of the ski resort and ski area. Snow is more likely, and more likely to settle, at higher altitudes, making the ski resort one of the most reliable for traditional winter wonderland weather.
There is a lot to consider when going on any holiday, and due to the logistics of getting supplies to a remote mountain community, expect it to be more expensive than most destinations.
We specialise in luxury accommodation, so can confidently explain our prices. Accommodation tends to make up most of any holiday budget, but you’ll also need to pay for flights, transfers, food, drink, ski hire and ski lift passes. Like a ski holiday to any resort, these additional costs require a bigger budget than other types of holiday.
The least expensive private accommodation in Val d’Isere on our website is the 1-bedroom Flocon apartment which costs €2,210 per week in the low season and €3,890 in the high season.
The most expensive private accommodation in Val d’Isere on our website is the 6-bedroom chalet Marco Polo which costs €44,300 per week in the low season and €195,000 in the high season.
Val d’Isère can be good for beginners, but it’s not primarily designed with new skiers in mind. The resort offers a few beginner-friendly zones, such as the nursery slopes near the village and some well-groomed green runs like those in the Solaise area (accessible as part of the wider ski lift pass or its own special, beginner-oriented ski pass). These areas provide a safe environment for newcomers to build confidence while enjoying the stunning scenery.
Due to its relatively challenging terrain, Val d’Isère may not be the best choice for first-time skiers. The resort is renowned for skiing with technical runs and advanced trails taking up large parts of the ski map. Some of the blue (intermediate) runs can feel steeper and more intimidating than those at other resorts. Don’t be put off though, there is a beautiful variety of runs for intermediate skiers to enjoy, and test themselves, so the resort is a great choice if you’ve been skiing before.
The high altitude of Val d’Isère can also lead to more ice on the slopes than other resorts, making it more difficult for beginners to navigate. If you’re a complete novice, a resort with more extensive beginner areas and gentler gradients might be a better fit. Check out our blog post on the best ski resorts for beginners here for more information.
Val d’Isère is a good ski resort for families, but it depends on the needs and preferences of your group. The resort offers excellent facilities for children, including events and activities, dedicated beginner zones, ski schools with highly skilled instructors, and childcare services. Family-friendly accommodation is also widespread, including chalets with playrooms and hotels with amenities like kids’ clubs.
Val d’Isère, like every resort, is not going to be the ideal choice for every family. Much of the ski terrain is better suited for intermediate and advanced skiers, which can limit options for beginners. Additionally, the high altitude and icy conditions on shaded slopes are not ideal for young or inexperienced skiers. Thankfully, there are plenty of ski resorts, each with unique strengths and character. Families with children who have never been skiing might prefer a resort with more beginner-friendly slopes and a wider variety of activities for children. Check out our blog post on the best ski resorts for families for more information.
La Face in Val d’Isère is renowned for its steep and challenging terrain. With an average gradient of around 32% and sections exceeding a 50% incline, it is one of the most demanding black runs in the French Alps. Spanning approximately 3 blink-and-you’ll miss them kilometres with a vertical drop of over 950 meters, it combines steep pitches, narrow sections, and icy patches, making it a go-to for expert skiers in Val d’Isère seeking a thrilling challenge. It’s one of the most famous runs in the Alps, and should only be attempted by accomplished skiers.
It is pronounced “Val – diz – air”.
When your going on holiday to the Alps, a chalet is always the best option, it makes the experience all the more special to stay in one of these unique alpine lodges. And in recent years, they have become some of the most beautiful and feature-filled properties in the world. After a day of fun on the mountain, the perfect way to spend the evening is your own mountaintop manor, quite literally on top of the world.
As luxury chalet experts who have spent over a decade collecting the finest chalets in the Alps, we have the best chalets in Val d’Isère for you to browse and book. We have a broad range of chalets suitable for almost everyone. And if you’d prefer to stay in a hotel, we can connect you with the best of the bunch.
If chalets and hotels are not within your budget, you might want to think about a hostel or refuge. These basic, communal hubs are cheaper, but you get what you pay for. If you want to have as good of a time off the slopes as on, prepare to spend a little more. If you can afford it, you’ll be treated like kings and queens, but wherever you stay, Val d’Isère’s warm, secluded yet buzzing atmosphere will make you feel at home.
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