The ski resort of Val d’Isère is located in the Tarentaise valley, in Savoie. This high mountain village is known for its architecture and also for its ski competitions.
Val d’Isère, an internationally renowned resort
The planting of the pole is an innate thing in Val d’Isère. As early as 1930, the resort positioned itself as a top choice village. Two years later, the ski school opened its doors. After World War II, Val d’Isère rode the wave of enthusiasm for winter sports and quickly gained the international fame we know today. It must be said that the charm and authenticity of the village particularly attract holidaymakers. By 1960, Val d’Isère had two cable cars, as well as about ten ski lifts.
But the resort also faces climatic uncertainties. In February 1970, an avalanche devastated the UCPA and caused 39 deaths. This disaster had a shocking effect. Following this, risk exposure plans were developed. In 1971, the National Association for the Study of Snow and Avalanches (Anena) was created. This was followed by the construction of new buildings, better suited to climatic conditions, as well as numerous avalanche barriers.
Val d’Isère, a resort built for major competitions
Val d’Isère is a resort built for international alpine ski competitions. It must be said that the O-K, as it likes to be called in the field, is impressive. Both for spectators and for skiers, amateurs and professionals alike. The Face naturally hosts World Cup stages. But not only that. In 1992, the ski events of the Albertville Olympic Games were held there. In 2009, it was the turn of the World Championships.
The ski area of Val d’Isère
The ski area of Val d’Isère is connected to that of Tignes. Together, they form the Espace Killy. It is possible to ski from the end of November to the beginning of May. The advantage of this tarine resort is that the snow cover remains particularly favorable. Several factors explain this:
- The exposure of the slopes, which allows snow to be retained longer
- The altitude, ranging from 1,800 to over 3,000 meters
- The number of snowmakers, which ensure access to the slopes throughout the season
- The easterly returns, possible due to proximity to the Italian border.
Additional info: it is on the ski area of Val d’Isère that the film Les Bronzés font du Ski was shot. You can actually see in the village a chalet named “Planter de bâton”. It belongs to the ski instructor appearing in the film alongside Jean-Claude Dusse, played by Michel Blanc.
© Val d’Isère – Tourist Office
The best-rated hotels
Depending on your budget, we have selected four accommodations located in the Val d’Isère resort for you. They receive very good reviews from customers.
L’Aigle des Neiges
L’Aigle des Neiges is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of the village of Val d’Isère. The rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated. The ski lifts are just 100 meters away. Charging stations for electric vehicles are available.
From €224 per night.
Hôtel Mont-Blanc
The Mont-Blanc hotel offers direct access to the ski area of Val d’Isère. A ski pass sales point is available for guests, as well as a wellness center and a gym. You can therefore relax after your ski days.
From €353 per night.
Hôtel Avenue Lodge
The Avenue Lodge hotel is located 250 meters from the first ski lifts. The rooms are decorated in a Savoyard style that you will surely appreciate. The lounge bar will allow you to relax by the fireplace in the evening.
From €312 per night.
Hôtel Avancher
The Avancher hotel has a chalet style that leaves no one indifferent. It fits perfectly into the architecture of Val d’Isère and is located less than 500 m from the slopes. The restaurant will allow you to taste local specialties.
From €194 per night.
The most beautiful chalets
To have an unforgettable holiday in the mountains, we offer the rental of three chalets. They are highly appreciated by holidaymakers.
Vail Lodge
The Vail Lodge is a chalet located 700 m from the ski school and only 150 m from the slopes. You will enjoy a nice view of the mountains from the accommodation. A ski storage room is available for tenants.
Résidence Tasna
The Tasna residence is a chalet with an area of 145 m². You will appreciate the mountain decor of this accommodation that can accommodate up to 10 people. The view of Val d’Isère and the mountains is also a considerable asset.
Chalet Petit Yéti
The Petit Yéti chalet has an area of 200 m² and can accommodate up to 10 people. It is located 250 meters from the ski lifts. Its fireplace will allow you to warm up in the evening after a day of skiing.
Winter sports
In winter in Val d’Isère, it is possible to practice multiple activities. Here are those we recommend you try:
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The biathlon. And what if you took on the role of Martin Fourcade for an afternoon? In Val d’Isère, it is possible to try biathlon. On foot or on cross-country skis, you will need to hit the maximum number of targets to avoid penalty laps. A family activity to try this winter.
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The Snooc. If there is one activity to do during the winter, it is certainly the Snooc. The concept is simple: go up on ski touring and come back down to the resort on a sled. All with the same equipment. An experience to live with family.
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The dog sledding. You can either sit comfortably in the sled or choose to steer it. Fun is guaranteed in any case, especially since you can take the opportunity to pet the dogs.
The athletes of the resort
The Val d’Isère resort has seen many high-level skiers evolve since its creation. We propose to trace the history of three of them.
Jean-Claude Killy
In Val d’Isère, Jean-Claude Killy is a name everyone knows. The former skier of the French Team arrived at the resort at the age of 3. It was at 16 that he specialized in skiing. He will win the overall ranking of the first World Cup. He achieved 12 victories in 15 races. In 1968, Jean-Claude Killy was crowned triple Olympic champion. That same year, he received the Legion of Honor and decided to retire from the circuit.
Ingrid Jacquemod
Ingrid Jacquemod is a former skier of the French Team who spent her childhood in the Val d’Isère resort. In 2000, she won her first titles in downhill and Super-G. In total, she stood on the podium six times during her high-level skiing career. Ingrid Jacquemod announced her retirement from sports at the end of the 2010-2011 season.
Clément Noël
Clément Noël is from the Vosges. At 15, he left his homeland to join the Val d’Isère Sports Club. He already had three titles to his name. The skier continues to progress and it was in 2018, during the PyeongChang Olympic Games, that he exploded and took 4th place in the slalom. In 2019, Clément Noël stood on a World Cup podium for the first time, taking 2nd place. Then in 2022, he was crowned Olympic champion in slalom.
The must-see events in Val d’Isère
Val d’Isère hosts several large-scale events. We propose to discover two of them.
Critérium de la Première Neige
The Critérium de la Première Neige is a must-see event in the resort since 1955. This stage of the World Cup of alpine skiing takes place on the Bellevarde face, a mythical slope of Val d’Isère.
On this occasion, it is possible to see the best skiers in the world at work. Over two weekends, men and women take turns on the face with a 1,000-meter drop. Bellevarde also hosted the ski events of the 1992 Olympic Games in Albertville.
International Adventure and Discovery Film Festival
The International Adventure and Discovery Film Festival of Val d’Isère takes place every year at the Maison de Val and the conference center. Created in 1997, the event has established itself in the resort.
Every year, 10,000 spectators are welcomed and 11 films are selected and screened.
Ski passes
Several passes are available in Val d’Isère. You can choose to stay on the resort’s ski area or ski across the entire Espace Killy, including Tignes. We recommend considering the duration of your holiday as well as your level.
Additional tip: to save time during your stay, consider purchasing your passes online. This way, you won’t have to go through the ski lift ticket offices.
Snowshoe trails
During your stay in Val d’Isère, you can be tempted by the snowshoe trails. They are numerous and will allow you to have a new approach to the mountain. Just remember to choose a trail suitable for your level.
Here are the areas at the gates of the Vanoise National Park that we recommend in Val d’Isère:
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Le Fornet. You will walk along the river and cross the Saint-Charles bridge. Keep your eyes open during your walk, you may have the chance to spot the iconic mountain wildlife, such as chamois or the golden eagle.
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Le Manchet. This valley welcomes both walkers and cross-country skiers. You will have the opportunity to refresh yourself at the restaurant Au Bout du Monde. Three trails are accessible, with distances ranging from 1.5 to 6 kilometers.
Summer activity ideas
Various activities can be done in Val d’Isère during the summer season. We will of course think of skiing on the Pisaillas glacier. But due to global warming, this refreshing break could well become rarer.
However, no panic. You can still enjoy the mountain through hiking. There are many options around Val d’Isère, and you can take advantage of the Olympic cable car and the Solaise gondola. And for cycling enthusiasts, why not try the Iseran pass?
Access and public transport
To access the Val d’Isère resort, you will have the choice between several options such as train or plane. In this case, the journey will end with a bus or taxi connection. The car is also a very popular means of transport. But in this case, why not consider carpooling? You will save money this way.
To avoid as much as possible the back-and-forth, we recommend that you stagger your stay as much as possible. For example, book it from Wednesday to Wednesday or outside of school holidays.
Presentation video of Val d’Isère
The resorts near Val d’Isère
Other ski resorts are located near Val d’Isère. We will notably think of Tignes, whose area is part of the Espace Killy, and Bonneval-sur-Arc, accessible directly via the Iseran pass in summer.
