Val d'Isère is one of the most famous French Alpine resorts
Val d’Isère, undoubtedly the most famous of the French Alpine resorts. It has a lively and energetic atmosphere, and it carries itself well as one of Europe’s top ski destinations. With a frightening reputation for its tough black pistes and off-piste routes, as well as its booming après ski scene, read Lodge Destinations’s resort guide to Val d’Isère.
History of the village of Val d’Isère
Val d’Isère’s development as an international ski resort began in the 1930s, with the construction of the first hotels in 1932. The Solaise gondola was constructed in 1942, and by the early 1960s, Val d’Isère featured a dozen drag lifts and two cable cars. The resort has long been appreciated by top skiing champions, notably Jean-Claude Killy, who won three gold medals in the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble. In fact, the Val d’Isère – Tignes ski region was dubbed ‘Espace Killy‘ in his honor, but has since been renamed Val-Tignes.
The Albertville Winter Olympics in 1992 were instrumental in putting Val d’Isère on the map, bringing many enhancements to the area, notably the installation of the Funival at La Daille. The town was also given a Savoyard makeover to make it more appealing to potential guests. Since then, the resort has hosted the 2009 Alpine Skiing World Championships and has begun on a EUR 170 million renovation project known as ‘Le Coin de Val’.
Val d’Isère is situated in the Tarentaise Valley, in the department of Savoie in southeastern France. It is located 5 kilometers from the French-Italian border and on the outskirts of the Vanoise National Park. Val d’Isère, which shares the ski area with neighboring Tignes, is located at 1850 meters, with pistes reaching 3488 meters at the Pointe du Montet and the Pissaillas glacier close below at 3450 meters. Skiers have a choice of 300 km of lines, making it one of Europe’s largest ski resorts.
The resort is roughly a mile long and has numerous satellite settlements, notably Le Fornet at the base of the Col de l’Iseran area and La Daille.
Make yourself at home in one of our luxury chalet rentals in Val d’Isère, French Alps, and follow our tour to the area’s best addresses and activities.
lodge destinations top activities
Winter activity guide in Val d'Isère
Skiing
Val d’Isère, which is connected to Tignes, offers a decent-sized ski resort with 300 km of pre-prepared pistes as well as spectacular off-piste chances. Val d’Isère’s skiing is divided into four areas: La Daille, Solaise, Bellevarde, and Le Fornet. Solaise is a great place for novices, with blue runs nearby for progression. Bellevarde is ideal for confident intermediate skiers and is home to La Face, the black line created for the 1992 Albertville Olympics as the Men’s Downhill. Lifts to the Col de Fresse and Toviere, which connect to Tignes, are located above La Daille. Le Fornet, at the opposite end of the valley, serves as a gateway to the Pissallias Glacier and some spectacular off-piste skiing.
Dog-sleighing
Another option is to explore the valley with your own squad of huskies. Allow an expert musher to drive you, or take the reins yourself. Take a beautiful flight above the summits to get a bird’s-eye perspective of the valley, exploring the peaks of Mont Blanc, La Grande Casse, and Les Ecrins.
Paragliding
A tandem paragliding ride from the summit of Solaise mountain is also available.
Indoor sports activities
The Aquasportif center has an indoor pool, a gym, a sports hall, a climbing wall, and a spa. There is also an artificial outdoor ice rink in the town center, which is open in the afternoon and evening.
Indulge in luxurious treatments like hot stone massages or soak in the tranquil indoor pool at Les Barmes de l’Ours Hotel & Spa.
The best ski slopes in Val d'Isère
Val d’Isère caters to all skill levels.
- Bellevarde (Advanced)
Home to the famous Face de Bellevarde, this black run is a thrilling challenge for expert skiers.
- Solaise (Intermediate)
A family-friendly area with wide, sunny slopes and breathtaking views. The Madelon run is particularly popular.
- Le Fornet Glacier (All Levels)
Ideal for snow enthusiasts, the glacier boasts reliable conditions and stunning panoramas. Don’t miss the Col Pers off-piste adventure (with a guide).
- Tignes Link (Intermediate/Advanced)
Take advantage of the seamless connection to Tignes and explore varied terrains, including the challenging Trolles run.
Summer activity guide in Val d’Isère
Mountain biking, cycling and hiking are all popular sports in Val d’Isère throughout the summer. Adrenaline junkies will enjoy water activities such as hydro-speeding, canyoning, and rafting.
Val d’Isère is also a fantastic location for rock climbing, which is suitable for both beginners and expert climbers. If you want to scale a rock in a less intimidating method, Via Ferrata is a wonderful option.
Summer skiing on the Grande Motte glacier is available from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It has 27 kilometers of slopes for all levels, as well as a snow park with jumps and, on occasion, a half pipe.
the best restaurants in val d'isère
Whether you’re looking for a Michelin-starred restaurant or a cosy local establishment, this guide will help you find the best Val D’Isère eating options. Dive into a voyage of flavour, mood, and sheer bliss. Are you ready to explore Val D’Isère’s greatest flavours?
Matsuhisa, Val d'Isère
The Matsuhisa Restaurant has unveiled a decorating inspired by Japanese culture, blending sobriety, geometry, and simplicity. inviting sunlight and lively hues combine with carefully chosen minimalist furnishings to create a zen and inviting atmosphere. Settle onto one of the vast red velvet sofas, where every detail is intended to enhance your culinary experience.
Airelles Val d’Isère, 145 rue de la Poste, 73150 Val d’Isère
La Mourra, Val d'Isère
La Mourra, with its sophisticated design and clean environment, is a must-visit restaurant in Val d’Isère. Allow yourself to be taken away by the Japanese-inspired fusion food. Enjoy a totally alpine atmosphere with exposed wood, comfortable couches, and natural design elements, ideal for a warm and sociable evening.
Hôtel La Mourra, 460 avenue du Prariond, 73150 Val d’Isère
La Table de l'Ours, Val d'Isère
The elegant Hôtel les Barmes de l’Ours has a Michelin-starred restaurant that will make your mouth wet. La Table de l’Ours, led by chef Antoine Gras, serves cuisine inspired by the Alps themselves. Everything you consume, from fresh local fruit to Lake Geneva fish, reflects the landscape’s lakes, mountains, and meadows.
Hôtel les Barmes de l’Ours, Montée de Bellevarde, 73155 Val d’Isère
Paladio, Val d'Isère
Cosily exquisite interiors once again showcase interior designer Christophe Tollemer’s ingenuity, which pays homage to Val d’Isère’s warm welcome through local wood accents and velvety plaids. Chef Riccardo Valore creates an authentic Italian feast with a Venetian touch in the kitchen, and the spacious patio outside is ideal for sun-soaked lunches with breathtaking views of the Tarentaise Alps.
Airelles Val d’Isère, 145 rue de la Poste, 73150 Val d’Isère
Le Piaf, Val d'Isère
It’s not just a place; it’s a journey. Le Piaf plays a wide range of music, from old favourites to current releases, keeping the dance floor energised at all times. Its stylish style allows you to dance, meet new people, and enjoy a night where the lights follow your movements. Le Piaf is the place to go if you want to spend the night dancing, having fun, and meeting new people.
125 Rte de l’Eau Rousse, 73150 Val d’Isère
La Baraque, Val d'Isère
La Baraque offers more than simply cuisine; it’s a journey. It captivates you with its rustic appearance and live music, making each visit special. Whether you’re out with friends or on a romantic date, this is the ideal location. The cuisine highlights fresh, local products, so your taste buds will be in for a treat. La Baraque is the best choice for a cosy, musical, and appetising experience in Val-d’Isère.
137 Av. Olympique, 73150 Val d’Isère
when to visit val d'isère
Whether you’re looking for a Michelin-starred restaurant or a cosy local establishment, this guide will help you find the best Val D’Isère eating options. Dive into a voyage of flavour, mood, and sheer bliss. Are you ready to explore Val D’Isère’s greatest flavours?
Winter
Winters in Val d’Isère are unparalleled. The skiable domain’s high heights ensure great snow conditions all season. Make the most of the ice landscapes by strapping on your skis, skates, or snowboard anytime between December and April.
Spring
Spring is the ideal season to take a deep breath of fresh mountain air when the crowds are thin. Melting snow on the mountain summits gives way to undulating landscapes, brilliant blue waterways, and blooming flora. Between April and June, you may enjoy both the beautiful natural scenery and the comfortable baths, as milder spring weather arrives.
Summer
Summer vacations in the French Alps, while arguably less iconic, are equally as rich and gratifying as their winter counterparts. Mountain fans will enjoy strolling along the calm mountain pathways, climbing the rocky façade, and even paragliding over the beautiful sceneries! You could even see edelweiss in the growing fields.
Autumn
Autumn provides a unique opportunity to discover Val d’Isère as the landscapes put on their final colourful display before a blanket of snow covers the resort. Take advantage of the chance to trek the mountain face before returning home and making a nice fire in your chalet. Depending on the weather, you may even be able to hit the slopes as the first snow of the season falls!
Our luxury chalets to rent in Val d’Isère
Lodge Destinations offer a large range of apartments and chalets to rent in Val d’Isère.
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