Val d’Isère
The majesty of the Alps
- Winter activities
- Alpine skiing and snowboarding : With 300km of varied slopes, Val-d'Isère is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts, offering runs suitable for all levels, from beginners to experts.
- Cross-country skiing : Nordic ski trails allow you to discover the natural beauty of the region from a different angle.
- Sledding : Toboggan runs are available for family fun.
- Skating : Val-d'Isère's skating rink offers outdoor skating in a superb setting.
- Sleigh rides : Horse-drawn sleigh rides offer a magical experience through snowy landscapes.
- Wellness : After a day on the slopes, visitors can relax in the resort's spas and wellness centres.
- Summer activities
- Hiking : Val-d'Isère is an excellent starting point for hikes in and around the Vanoise National Park, with trails for all abilities.
- Mountain biking : The resort offers mountain biking routes, including downhill (DH), enduro and cross-country trails, totalling around 160km of marked trails.
- Water sports : Activities such as canyoning are available for thrill-seekers.
- Golf : Golf course with breathtaking mountain views.
- Climbing and Via Ferrata : Climbing enthusiasts can enjoy the local cliffs, while Via Ferrata routes offer a safe alternative for exploring the mountains.
- Water sports : Canyoning and swimming in local rivers.
Val d'Isère and its ski area
The Espace Killy, a world-renowned ski area, is named after the legendary alpine skier Jean-Claude Killy. This domain, which hosted several events during the 1992 Winter Olympics, stretches from the Pisaillas Glacier in Val d’Isère to the Grande Motte Glacier in Tignes, offering over 300 kilometres of varied slopes ranging from 1,550 to 3,450 metres in altitude. Thanks to its modern lifts, queues are almost non-existent, allowing you to fully enjoy each descent.
The area’s two glaciers ensure optimal snow cover throughout the season, even in summer. Indeed, it’s possible to ski on the 20 km of slopes on the Grande Motte Glacier (at an altitude of 3,000 to 3,456 metres) during the summer season.
The domain is also a favoured playground for many famous alpine skiers, with certain pistes being must-try experiences. The legendary Face de Bellevarde, a black piste with an impressive 1,000-metre vertical drop, is one such challenge. Additionally, the famous OK piste, where the Critérium de la Première Neige has been held since 1995, is a must for enthusiasts, having seen champions like Luc Alphand and Hermann Maier race down its slopes.
For snowboarders and freestyle skiers, Espace Killy offers 6 slalom stadiums, a mogul stadium, and 2 snowparks featuring a boardercross and a halfpipe. Beginners and children are also catered for, with dedicated areas for learning.
When it comes to ski passes, you can choose between access to the entire 300 km of Espace Killy’s slopes, or a pass specifically for the Tignes or Val d’Isère ski areas.
Val d'Isère and its flavours
Val d’Isère also reveals itself through its culinary delights. For a gourmet breakfast, head to Maison Chevallot, renowned for its artisanal pastries and viennoiseries. Among the must-tries are the bear paws and blueberry tarts, which are classics, while the ancolie and the régal savoyard will delight those seeking new flavours.
For dinner, Val d’Isère boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant: La Table de l’Ours, led by Chef Antoine Gras.
Val d'Isère and Culture
Val d’Isère is not just a winter sports destination; it is also a village rich in culture and traditions. Rooted in Alpine history, Val d’Isère has preserved its heritage while evolving over time. The resort regularly hosts cultural events, from classical music festivals to contemporary art exhibitions, offering visitors an immersion into Savoyard cultural life.
Val d'Isère and its Shopping
Val d’Isère not only offers breathtaking landscapes and a world-class skiing experience, but it is also a must-visit shopping destination. The village is home to a variety of chic boutiques and specialty shops, where you can find both high-end fashion items and the latest ski equipment.
- Access
- From Albertville (60 km): Take the N90 towards Moûtiers, then follow the D902 towards Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Val d'Isère.
- From Chambéry (130 km): Take the A43 towards Modane, then follow the N90 towards Moûtiers, continuing on the D902 towards Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Val d'Isère.
- From Geneva (170 km): Take the A41 towards Annecy, then follow the A430 towards Albertville. Continue on the N90 towards Moûtiers, then follow the D902 towards Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Val d'Isère.
- Bourg-Saint-Maurice Train Station (30 km): This is the closest station to Val d'Isère, offering direct connections from Paris, Lyon, and other major French cities. Shuttle services and taxis are available to reach the resort.
- Geneva-Cornavin Train Station (170 km): From Geneva, you can take a train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice with a connection in Chambéry, then reach Val d'Isère by shuttle or taxi.
- Chambéry Airport (140 km): Chambéry Airport is the closest to Val d'Isère, with seasonal flights primarily in winter. Shuttle services, taxis, or rental cars are available to reach the resort in about 2 hours.
- Geneva Airport (170 km): Geneva International Airport offers numerous connections from across Europe and beyond. From there, you can reach Val d'Isère in about 3 hours by car, taxi, or shuttle, with the option to take a train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice for a final transfer by shuttle or taxi.
- Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (220 km): This airport, served by numerous international airlines, is about 3 hours from Val d'Isère by car. Shuttle services and car rentals are also available for direct access to the resort.