Val d’Isere is famous for being one of the best ski resorts in the world. It is a high-end resort brimming with charm and elegance. But it also has some of the best skiable terrain you’ll ever encounter. The ski area is large enough for anyone to have fun, whether you’re on one or two planks.
The area is so extensive because it links to the nearby ski resort of Tignes, creating the Tignes-Val d’Isere ski area, formerly known as Espace Killy.
Val d’Isere consists of luxury chalets, high-end hotels, fantastic restaurants, and lively bars. However, the old part of the town contrasts this with its 11th-century baroque church, historic chalets, and buildings made from stone and wood. This mixture creates a unique and welcoming atmosphere, made magical with a covering of snow.
Many visitors to Val d’Isere return every year and go nowhere else, which indicates how great this resort is. One of the reasons for its popularity is that Val d’Isere is its higher than average snowfall. It sits at 1850 meters, so the snowpack is preserved well due to colder temperatures. However, Val d’Isere’s underground snow factory keeps the snow coverage topped up when it gets warmer, extending the season to early May.
Val d’Isere’s skiable terrain is split into three main areas covering 150km of pistes. Solaise, Belvarde, and Le Fornet. All of these areas are serviced by modern ski lifts to quickly get you back up the mountain.
You will find long and fast pistes, but most slopes are suitable for beginners. Some of the difficulty ratings are slightly exaggerated, so beginners may want to use the lifts to get back into the village at the end of the day.
If you like to hunt for powder, Val d’Isere is a dream destination. There are many lift-accessible off-piste areas, but it’s best to book a guide to find the good spots and to stay safe. Alternatively, head to Le Fornet after a snowfall to play in the trees.