Val d’Isere Ski Holidays

World-Class Skiing

Val d’Isère is one of the most popular resorts among British skiers. In fact, more Britons ski here each winter than in any other resort. Linked with neighbouring Tignes, it offers a vast 300 km ski area served by 78 lifts, with high-quality, snow-sure slopes to suit everyone from complete beginners to veteran powder hounds.

The village sits at a lofty 1,850 m altitude and the lifts reach nearly 3,400 m (3,456 m on the Grande Motte glacier in Tignes), ensuring reliable snow cover throughout a long season. Most slopes lie above 2,000 m and face north or northwest, helping preserve snow quality.

A Village Blending Charm and Modernity

The town of Val d’Isère stretches along a narrow valley plateau and has grown into an attractive, vibrant winter village. It blends modern amenities with traditional Alpine charm, including a 17th-century church at its centre.

A beautification push around the 1992 Winter Olympics helped transform the resort into a sophisticated yet lively destination. The pedestrianised main street is lined with ski shops, boutiques and restaurants.

Cosmopolitan Atmosphere with High-End Appeal

The atmosphere is energetic and cosmopolitan (you’ll hear English spoken everywhere) yet it retains French Alpine character.

Val d’Isère is a high-end resort with prices to match (even a simple on-mountain lunch can rival Swiss prices). Still, its popularity among UK, Dutch, Scandinavian, French and other visitors speaks volumes about the world-class ski experience on offer.

Save on ski rental on Val d’Isère ski holidays with Ski Line. This Buy 1 Get 1 Free ski deal, in conjunction with our rental partners Skiset is an exclusive, that you won’t find anywhere else! Speak to one of our advisors for details.

Val d’Isère offers an excellent mix of ski-in, ski-out hotels, catered chalets, and self-catering apartments to suit all budgets. Stay in La Daille for quick lift access and modern apartments, choose the vibrant resort centre for the widest range of chalets and hotels, or opt for Le Fornet, a peaceful hamlet with charming ski chalets and easy slope access.

Many properties include popular features like hot tubs and saunas, and a frequent resort bus connects all three villages throughout the day and evening.

Val d’Isère Skiing

Beginners 3/5

Val d’Isère has invested heavily in facilities for beginners. At village level, there are free nursery lifts such as the Savonette and Village magic carpets serving gentle green slopes, ideal for first turns without needing a lift pass.

A high-altitude beginner zone at the top of the Solaise gondola provides reliable snow and mild gradients, with three covered magic carpets and a secure learning area. The Madeleine run on Solaise is an easy progression for novices. Another beginner area is in La Daille.

While there are some green and blue runs back to resort, they can feel steep for early learners, so downloading on lifts is often recommended.

Intermediates 5/5

Intermediate skiers have access to extensive terrain, with approximately 60% of Val d’Isère and Tignes’ slopes suited to this level.

Wide, rolling blues and more challenging reds allow for varied exploration. Highlights include the OK red run from Bellevarde to La Daille, a former World Cup course, and the scenic Mangard blue into Le Fornet. Many blue pistes in Val d’Isère are steeper than average and may feel closer to reds in other resorts.

Confident intermediates can venture across to Tignes for further long cruising runs. The modern lift system ensures quick access between sectors and minimal queuing even in peak weeks.

Advanced 5/5

Val d’Isère offers world-class terrain for advanced and expert skiers.

There are 30 marked black pistes in the linked area, including the Olympic Face de Bellevarde, a steep descent into the village, and the Sache black into Tignes-les-Brévières. The resort is renowned for its extensive off-piste, with accessible powder fields, couloirs and steep gullies.

Popular off-piste routes include La Banane and Couloir des Pisteurs. A guide is strongly recommended for off-piste due to avalanche risks and the vast scale of the area.

Snowboarding and Freestyle 5/5

Val d’Isère caters well to snowboarders, with mostly chairlifts and gondolas rather than draglifts. The Oakley Val Park on Bellevarde offers a variety of features including kickers, rails and boxes, graded for different ability levels. There is also a boardercross course and fun zones, such as the timed slalom course on Rogoney.

Freeriders benefit from the resort’s excellent powder terrain and natural gullies, while the high-altitude areas ensure reliable snow conditions for both on-piste and off-piste riding.

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Ski Passes

Val d’Isère offers lift passes for the local area or the full Val d’Isère-Tignes domain, covering 300 km of pistes.

Passes of six days or more include a bonus day and access to free resort buses. Beginners can use designated nursery lifts without a pass, while children under eight and seniors over 75 ski free.

Passes are available online or at resort offices and include hands-free cards for ease of use.

Ask our sales team to arrange your ski passes when you book.

Ski Lessons

Val d’Isère has several ski schools catering to all levels, including large providers such as ESF and smaller English-speaking outfits like Oxygène and New Generation.

Options range from group lessons for children and adults to private coaching and off-piste guiding. Dedicated beginner zones and children’s areas make learning accessible.

Advanced clinics and snowboard-specific tuition are also available, with many schools offering pre-booking to guarantee spaces during peak holiday weeks.

Ask a sales advisor to add lessons to your Val d’Isère package.

Après ski

Val d’Isère has one of the liveliest après-ski scenes in the French Alps. On-mountain, La Folie Douce is known for DJs, dancers and table-top celebrations from mid-afternoon.

At the base, Cocorico attracts crowds with live music and a large terrace. Both venues close by early evening, when après shifts into town. The atmosphere ranges from lively and energetic to more relaxed options, catering for groups of friends, couples, and families looking to enjoy post-ski drinks.

Clubs

Val d’Isère’s nightlife extends late into the evening with several clubs in the village.

Dick’s Tea Bar is a long-established venue popular with British skiers, offering DJs and dance floors open until 4am. Doudoune Club attracts a European crowd with themed nights and guest DJs.

Both clubs cater to younger and mid-20s to 30s visitors looking for high-energy nights. Entry fees and drink prices reflect the resort’s premium status, and clubs are busiest during peak holiday weeks.

Bars

The resort offers a wide variety of bars to suit different tastes. British-style pubs like the Morris Pub and Pacific Bar are popular for their informal, lively settings and regular live music.

Wine and cocktail bars such as La Baraque and the Blizzard Lounge provide a more sophisticated atmosphere. Many bars offer happy hours in the early evening. Crowds are a mix of British holidaymakers, French locals, and seasonnaires, creating an international yet approachable vibe.

Restaurants

Val d’Isère’s dining scene includes over 70 restaurants, ranging from Michelin-starred fine dining to casual eateries.

L’Atelier d’Edmond and La Table de l’Ours offer gourmet French cuisine. Cosy bistros like La Casserole serve regional Savoyard specialities, while pizzerias and burger bars provide family-friendly options. On-mountain, venues like Le Trifollet combine hearty food with scenic terraces.

Reservations are recommended, particularly in peak season, as many restaurants attract international visitors looking for high-quality Alpine dining experiences.

More Activities In Val d’Isère

Val d’Isère offers a wide range of activities beyond skiing. From relaxing wellness facilities to adrenaline-fuelled experiences, the resort’s options include indoor and outdoor pursuits that make the most of its high-Alpine setting.

Aquasportif Centre

The Centre Aquasportif in the village includes swimming pools, a wellness spa, indoor climbing wall, squash courts, and a gym. Families can enjoy leisure pools with water jets, while adults relax in saunas and steam rooms. It’s ideal for a rest day or poor weather and is included with some multi-day lift passes.

Ice Skating

Val d’Isère’s outdoor ice rink is set in the heart of the village, surrounded by snowy trees and mountain views. Open afternoons and evenings, it’s a family-friendly activity with skate hire available on-site. Skating under twinkling lights creates a classic Alpine experience for couples, children, and groups looking for fun away from the slopes.

Dog Sledding

Dog sledding offers a unique way to explore the winter landscape. Guests can ride as passengers or try mushing under the guidance of experienced instructors. Tours take place on scenic trails near the resort and are popular with families and couples. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak weeks, as spaces are limited.

Ice Driving and Karting

The ice driving circuit in La Daille gives visitors a chance to test their skills on a specially prepared track. With professional instruction, you can experience driving or go-karting on ice in a safe environment. These adrenaline-fuelled activities are ideal for groups of friends seeking a different kind of mountain challenge.

Snowshoeing

Guided snowshoe walks provide a peaceful alternative to skiing. Routes explore wooded areas, frozen rivers, and viewpoints around Val d’Isère, with the chance to spot wildlife like chamois or alpine hares. Equipment is provided, and trails are suitable for most fitness levels. Self-guided routes are also marked for independent exploration.

For more details on Val d’Isere restaurants:

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