Val d’Isère
Luxury Chalets in Val d’Isère
Chalet Machapuchare
Sleeps 14 + 1Chalet Inoko
Sleeps 12 + 2Kilco Penthouse
Sleeps 10Chalet la Tene
Sleeps 12Chalet Daria
Sleeps 12 + 2Luxury Hotels in Val d’Isère
Val d’Isère sits proudly at the end of the Isère valley, within the wider Tarentaise valley, on the border with Italy. It has a well-earned reputation for its snow-sure climate, high-quality pistes, chic ambience and buzzing nightlife.
Since the 1992 Olympics in Val d’Isère, there has been noticeable regeneration of the resort, including the replacement of all parking in the town centre with now-matured trees, as well as a push for redevelopment. In autumn 2017, the town embarked on an ambitious, £170 million building project to redevelop the centre of the resort. It will take at least five years to complete and include two new hotels, a new piste with an underground moving walkway linking the centre of town with the lifts.
Offering one of the longest ski seasons in Europe, due to its altitude of 1850m, a unique microclimate and the largest snowmaking facility in Europe. Val d’Isere rarely has a bad year weather-wise and the resort has a reputation for having the continent’s most reliable snow cover, which is why early-season World Cup ski races are held here every December.
Travel Information
Great snow record
Terrain for all abilities
Child-friendly
Convenient transfers
Lively après ski scene
Val d’Isère Ski Overview
With incredible skiing for enthusiasts of all abilities, about 50% is for beginners and lower intermediates, with a plethora of reds and black runs and off-piste for the more experienced.
Val D’isère belongs to the Espace Killy ski region, which boasts more than 300km of perfectly groomed runs, including olympic downhill runs such as le Face, if you can stomach the vertigo.
It is a favourite amongst families, Tête de Solaise, a steep-ish slope has been reshaped into a gentle one. There are three covered magic-carpet lifts, a nursery slope with fun obstacles, a playground and tubing tracks. As well as a multitude of non-skiing activities, accommodation of all varieties and many excellent restaurants.
As far as European resorts go, Val D’isère is a contender amongst the elite of all alpine resorts. It claims some of the most challenging black runs and off-piste in France, as well as opens the European racing season each year with the Criterium de la Première Neige ski competition. There is no question as to why it consistently ranks among the top French ski destinations.
For winter 2018/19 a new 10-person gondola replaces the former bubble lift from La Daille up to the Folie Douce mountain restaurant and après-ski venue.
Key Information
- Ski area: Espace Killy
- Resort: 1850m // Top: 3455m
- Pistes: 300km
- Beginners: 44
- Intermediate: 85
- Advanced: 21
- Ski Lifts: 136
- Snow Park: 1
- Nursery Areas: 2
- Cross Country: 21km
Val d'Isère is a sportsperson's paradise. There are unparalleled opportunities to try your hand at something new, every hour of your holiday, just take care not to oversleep!
Helitours
Approx. a 10min ride, you will circle the parameter of the nature reserve, with views towards the Italian border and beyond to Mont Blanc. A memorable trip but as another option why not take a guide and find some untouched powder….? See Heli-Skiing.
Heli-Skiing
Ski or snowboard the classic North-facing Mickey’s Ears couloirs, across the Toviere pass, down through one of the couloirs into the Bois de La Laye and finally meandering through the forest to the Lac de Chevril (over 1/2 mile of vertical piste).
Hiking & Snowshoeing
At your own pace and in pure tranquillity, the snowshoeing courses make the mountains real. You will be taken through the forests and slopes of Val d'Isére on a snowshoeing day or morning. The weekly programme is open to all levels with scenic routes close to the Italian boarder or the glacier of Haute Tarentaise.
Paragliding
Possible every day in good weather conditions, you will meet your pilot at the top of the Solaise lift for a ride back down to the resort with a drop of 650m. It is easy to do this on skis though if you don’t have them you can also access the take off point on feet.
Ice Driving
Located at 1850m, enjoying an exceptional exposure allowing an opening from December to March. The circuit is 800 meters long and 10 to 18 meters wide, with 16 turns. With a different design from what is usually done, the layout is similar to a rally stage where all types of turns are linked together for a pleasure of sliding tenfold
Tobogganing
There is not an official toboggan run, though there is a designated area for tobogganing located next to the nursery slope on the left hand side of the Savonette lift. The area is open everyday from 10:00 to 17:00 and it is the perfect place to take your children for some sledging fun. The entry to the area is free and you can hire sledges from the local ski shops.
Ice Rink
Val d'Isere has a small outside skating rink open in winter, 7 days a week. (Weather and ice conditions dependant!) A small refreshment chalet is located on site for snacks and drinks and it costs 8 euros for adults 7 euros for children, or you can buy a week long pass for the kids for €22.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiles are a great way to explore Val d'Isere especially as you get to ride them when the resort is at its quietest. Disappear into the woods and blast around empty snowfields on your scooter with your own guide. Remember to wrap up warmly especially if you go after dark, and bring goggles if there is powder.
Ice Climbing
On a 40m wide and 200m high ice waterfalls, it sounds like a very scary proposition? Though ice climbing is suitable for everyone - from complete beginners to experienced climbers. Some knowledge of ropes and basic climbing skills will give you a head start, but if you are a complete novice then your guide should be able to teach you from scratch.
Biathlon
Come and have some biathlon fun by foot! You will be given the opportunity to relax while taking a challenge, to enjoy new thrills with team games and relays and to engage in a friendly competition. You can even try your hand at this fun activity at night!
Alongside its reputation as a world-class ski resort, it’s reputation for gastronomy does not disappoint either. Home to more fine-dining establishments than you could manage in a fortnight, Val d’Isère is a foodie’s dream. This resort's nightlife is also legendary; try the Saloon bar for apres-ski, Victor's for cocktails and Dicks Tea Bar if you want to dance till dawn.
L’Edelweiss
Traditional, SavoieLocated halfway down the blue Mangard piste this restaurant offers excellent cuisine and good selection of fine wines. You can also expect a friendly atmosphere and a terrace with exceptional views of the valley. Only open for lunch.
La Baraque
Wine Bar, FrenchA very trendy Val d’Isere wine bar, you really must not miss this place. It has a wonderful setting, atmosphere, welcome, quality cuisine and great evenings, which finish happily late thanks to the DJ or the live music. The perfect place for lovers of good food and good music! The owners, Nico and David, are always smiling, and they and their team offer an attentive, generous service.
La Table de l’Ours
Michelin Star, Regional SpecialitiesBeneath its beautiful wood-beamed ceiling, la table de l'ours, invites fine palates for an exceptional dining experience. Take a seat at la Table de l'Ours table and reach for the peaks of culinary quality. Relax with your friends and family by the fireside, experience new taste sensations adapted from traditional mountain flavours.
La Fruitière
French, European, Bar, Après-SkiThe menu itself is rich in locally produced goods, inviting customers to explore the wealth of regional, Savoyard delicacies. La Fruitiere transforms simple fare into a wholesome, gourmet experience. The specially designed cellars store and mature a range of local cheeses, and fine French wines specially selected by the head cellar man. Oh and the Folie Douce is next door so have a late lunch and straight in to après.
Le Signal
TraditionalOpened in 1973 at the top of the Fornet cable car at 2330m. Thanks to a complete renovation in 2006, Le Signal became a great architectural property and offers a creative tasty menu. Le Signal has been rewarded twice: in 2008 & 2015 with the title of "Best Mountain Restaurant”.
La Luge
Savoie, Cheese, MeatDespite the quirky entrance La Luge offers a fabulous fine-dining experience. The menu here is renowned for its fondues, including one made using mature Gruyere. In fact, there is a danger of being overwhelmed by the choice of cheese – the farmhouse raclette is irresistible – but do look at other parts of the menu. The steak tartare is popular, as is the fillet de boeuf, which has been described as melt-in-the mouth.
Quiksilver Coffee Shop
American DinerThere is a fun, young and relaxed atmosphere in this cafe serving American diner style food such as burgers, wraps, milkshakes, salads and coma inducing chocolate and ice cream desserts. A great spot for a quick bite to eat, a lunchtime pit stop, enjoy a coffee or milkshake, fill up before après ski and soak up the friendly and fun atmosphere.
Le Lodge
Savoyard, Italian, MeatA former mountain lodge, The Lodge has many windows and openings that offer breathtaking views of the street and the resort. After spending your day on the ski slopes, come and warm up around a good meal or, in the evening, come and have fun in a musical atmosphere over a drink, with friends or family.
La Casserole
Local DishesTo satisfy your craving for authenticity or explore local cuisine in a historical setting, direction La Casserole, walls covered with wood, one discovers a downtown restaurant in the mountain spirit by Cédric and Sandra. Whether in the crackling of the fireplace or in a friendly atmosphere, you will taste the pleasure of the Chief Pots, these generous and cooked meat or fish dishes. Everything is homemade, from appetizer to dessert.
L’ Atelier d’Edmond
Savoyard, TraditionalSituated in Le Fornet, in one of the highest traditional villages of France, on the road of the Iseran pass. The restaurant "L' Atelier d' Edmond" welcomes you to decades of Savoyards history. Nostalgia and heat charm the table to the discovery of a fine and subtle cooking, the originality of which is to anchor completely in the present. Chef Benoit Vidal took over in 2011, and was awarded a Michelin star in 2012 and second star in 2015, he proposes you of delicious recipes inspired by the seasons.
We rate Val d’Isère highly as a place to come with your family, with a huge array of activities to do, your children will not be in any rush to leave this winter wonderland.
You think you move mountains for your kids? At Tête de Solaise, a steep-ish slope has been reshaped into a gentle one. There are three covered magic-carpet lifts, a nursery slope with fun obstacles, a playground and tubing tracks
Children will certainly be taken care of in Val d’Isère with lots to do and a good choice of places to eat. Improvements to the base of the slopes in recent years have further enhanced the environment for families with most facilities close together and the village centre pedestrianised.
There are also plenty of off-snow activities for anybody too small for skis, or for little legs tired out by big days on the piste. There is a great sports centre, Oxygen, an ideal location to keep the whole family entertained. Stay there for the whole day if your legs need a break from the slopes or just pop in after a day on the slopes to relax in the pool or burn off a bit of that famous Savoyard cuisine!
There is a great swimming area with Jacuzzis, steam rooms and saunas as well as water jets and a river rapid for the kids. There are also several sports facilities including indoor football, basketball, tennis, squash courts and a climbing wall.
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