The Peaks of Champions
At the heart of the French Alps, the sophisticated Val d’Isere ski resort is famous for its adrenaline-inducing terrain and stylish airs.
With most of its slopes soaring above 2000m, thick, powdery snow is guaranteed all through the Val d’Isere ski season.
Its fabled slopes boast some of the most thrilling vertical heights around, where the world’s greatest ski champions have truly left their mark.
Val d'Isere Resort
The French Val d'Isere ski resort stretches along a narrow alpine valley, surrounded on all sides by soaring white mountain peaks.
At the centre of the town, ribbons of elegant, honey-coloured buildings and timber Val d'Isere chalets glow warmly. The magical charm of this winter wonderland makes it easy to whittle away an afternoon in a quaint French cafe after a thrilling day on the slopes.
Resort Statistics
| Base: | 1850 meters |
| Summit: | 3656 meters |
| No. of Pistes: | 154 |
| Total Piste: | 300 km |
| Cross Country: | 20 km |
| Total Lifts: | 78 |
| Gondolas/ Cable Cars: | 6 |
| Chairlifts: | 42 |
| Drag Lifts: | 24 |
Piste Map
Val d'Isere Ski Areas & Slopes
The Val d’Isere ski resort is a winter sports playground, seamlessly linking 300 km of groomed runs and steep off-piste terrain by a convenient lift system. Get to know the key areas on the Val d'Isère ski map before you arrive for your ski holiday.
Solaise
The central ski area of Val d’Isere and its bustling heart, recently receiving a multimillion-pound revamp.
Intermediate - Advanced: Alongside a number of cruisy red runs and ungroomed blacks, the lofty Leissières ridge boasts a 76% slope and lures the most accomplished skiers
Beginners: The best area for novice skiers, with free lifts and nursery slopes at the base and a new, high-altitude beginner’s area higher up the mountain.
Bellevarde
The largest of Val d’Isere’s ski areas, providing access to all the runs in the neighbouring Tignes resort.
Intermediate: Advanced: Home to the iconic Olympic Face de Bellevarde, a thrilling steep black plummeting from 2,900m right to the village centre.
Beginners: Ideal for novices ready to step up from the nursery slopes, with its looping network of wide, gentle greens.
Le Fornet
These quieter parts open out onto Val d’Isere’s highest lifts as well as the glaciers at the very top of the valley.
Intermediate - Advanced: Winding, technical blues and sweeping, easy reds lace the slopes, while the glaciers offer advanced, fast and steep runs with 360-degree views all the way to Italy.
Beginners: A number of long, open and relatively easy pistes suitable for more confident beginners.
Ski Holidays in Val d’Isere
Everything you need to consider before embarking on your Val d’Isere skiing holiday:
Val d’Isere Ski Passes
Val d'Isere Ski Pass (Local Area): gives you access to the Solaise, Bellevarde and Le Fornet areas on the Val d’Isere side of the valley. Peak season prices start at €50 per day.
Val d'Isere & Tignes Combined Ski Pass (Full Area): ideal for those looking to venture further into the neighbouring Tignes resort as well as hit the Valpark snowpark. Peak season prices start at €59 per day or €294 for a 6-day pass.
Beginners Pass: Val d’Isere ski schools Evolution 2, ESF and Oxygène offer a special 6-day ski pass for €147 when you book a week of lessons.
Family Ski Pass: a special-rate offer for families of 4 or more with at least 2 children under 21.
Ski Schools
Val d’Isere ski schools cater for all levels, from gentle beginnings on the nursery slopes to navigating the most daunting off-piste descents. Mountain Masters is one of Europe’s leading ski schools with highly-renowned instructors, however a full list of all Val d’Isere ski schools can be found here.
Equipment Hire
You can buy or rent the latest snowboard and ski equipment from Val d’Isere;s excellent sports shops. Amongst the discounted designer ski equipment, you’ll also find local treasures like aged cheese, vintage wines and art to take home as Christmas presents.
Family Fun in Val d'Isere
This chic French ski resort has a soft spot for families, recently pumping large investments into ensuring those holidaying in Val d’Isere are well catered for. A free shuttle bus provides easy transport around the village and there are fantastic ski pass discounts for kids. The brand new Valkids play area is perfect for introducing children to the slopes while families relax in the surrounding picnic area.
Val d’Isere Winter Sports
Snowboarding in Val d’Isere
You’re guaranteed to find Val d’Isere on every snowboarder’s bucket list. It’s one of the best snowboarding holiday spots in France, where adrenaline levels run as high as the soaring cliff drops. The Val d'Isère Snowpark boasts some of the most technical rails and jumps around, with a number of boardercross tracks for the more competitive snowboarders.
Cross-Country Trails
Val d’Isere features 20 km of stunning cross-country track loops to explore, with no lift pass required. These tranquil trails carve through the Manchet Valley, near Le Fornet, taking adventurous skiers beyond the sparkling Ouillette lake to uncover the Alps’ wilder side.
When to Go?
Val d’Isère Snow Report
At a soaring 1,850m, Val d’Isère is among Europe’s highest resorts, with most of its ski areas sitting above 2,000m. This lofty location means good snow cover is guaranteed throughout the season.
The official Val d’Isere ski season begins in late November and continues until late April/early May. You can even find spots open for skiing during the summer months on the soaring Pissaillas glacier.
View the latest Telegraph Val d’Isère snow forecast here.