The Ski Resort
Val d Isere probably needs few introductions. It is part of the Espace d Killy ski region and one of the best luxury ski resorts in Europe in our view.
Situated in the Tarentaise in the Savoie region of France, Val d Isere is one ski resort that is definitely not for the shy and retiring. Its reputation for partying matches its reputation for some of the best skiing anywhere in the world. Visitors therefore who go to Val d Isere generally do so to be seen and noticed, well into the early hours of the morning too! Val d Isere a luxury ski resort with the emphasis on luxury and ski visitors are not afraid to tell the world how well they are spending their hard earned income. So if you still have a pair of fur moon boots and the fur coat (fake of course), this is the ski resort to bring them to!
Val d Isere you will therefore not be surprised to know has some of the best restaurants in the Alps and you will also find of course a large array of boutique shops to ensure the American Express card does not feel neglected.
Partying and fun aside, it is also a very serious ski resort hoever, on and off-piste. On piste there are 300kms of pistes so you will never have to ski the same run unless you want to, and the off-piste is extensive and challenging too.
Val d Isere has grown considerably in recent years but the traditional chalet style prevails throughout the ski resort with most chalets constructed in stone and wood. Being at 1850m, Val d Isere generally has an abundance of snow and combined with the ski chalet charm these factors make this luxury ski resort both a pretty and popular ski destination.
Worth Knowing
Val d Isere is situated just an hour from Bourg St Maurice. Take the Eurostar from St Pancras for a relaxing journey to and from the Alps. A night train departs Friday (8.31pm) arriving the following day (6.27am). Alternative take the day train (departs Saturday 10.00am and arrives 6.20pm). There is a return Saturday day train (departs 9.44am and arrives St Pancras 4.11pm) and return night train (departs 10.15pm and arrives St Pancras 7.16am) of course as well.
Off Piste Skiing
Val d Isere is an experts paradise and the off-piste is clearly one of the big draws. Ski the Solaise area through the trees for example, but take a Mountain Guide with you as its steep in places and whilst the Lavancher couloir might look wide and appealing, in certain conditions it gets its name for a very good reason. The Pissaillas is also popular for its glacier skiing starting at over 3,000m. Here you can stay close to some of the piste marked routes as well as venture further afield. If the latter beware of the cliffs and avalanches accordingly. The Bellevarde however is probably the most extensive and skied area as it has a wide variety of off-piste runs and terrain for a variety of abilities.
Ski School
ESf are the main ski school in Val d Isere. Evolution 2 also operate here, as does Ski Lesson and Oxygen. There are several other ski schools operating here as well.
Snow Boarding
Snowboarders will love Val d Isere for what seems an abundance of powder snow. It has an abundance of off-piste ski runs and Bellevarde is always popular, as are the trees of Le Fornet in bad weather.
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Pros
Some of the best skiing in Europe
Great linked network
Sophisticated and stylish
One hell of a party town
Despite recent growth of the resort its still pretty
Cons
Expensive and thrives on it
A place where you will need another holiday when you get back
In many respects very British
Ski Resort Map
Ski Piste Map
Getting Around the Ski Resort
In recent years Val d Isere has become more spread out and therefore the local bus service can be useful getting to and from the centre of the village for some chalets. This said, few chalets are far from either a piste of a ski lift.
Activities Outdoor
Val d Isere being such a luxury ski resort has a mountain of activities to match its skiing and nightlife including husky sleigh rides, snowshoe walking, ice climbing and ice skating to name a few.