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Val d'Isere |
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Read our resort guide to the amazing resort that is Val d'Isere. Here you will find world class skiing and snowboarding in France. This resort has wide sweeping pistes for beginners and intermediates and the world famous La Face for more advanced skiers and boarders. This resort offers a vibrant après-ski scene and a great village atmosphere.
Where?
Choose to ski Val d'Isere and you're getting a superb Alpine village setting with an air of old world charm. However, you also have access to one of the world's great ski areas, the fabulous Espace Killy, with lifts to nearby Tignes and the Grand Motte glacier, and over 300km of piste. The nearest airports are Chambery and Grenoble - with road access not so bad if the snow is clear!
On the Slopes
Ski holidays in Val d'Isere offer great snow, fast quads and cable cars to get you on the high slopes quickly, and over 300km of piste to explore. There are plenty of options for all levels of skiers, with the slopes split into three areas - Bellevarde on one side of the valley, and Solaise and Col de l'Iseran on the other. The terrain varies from one side to the other, and you'll also find some legendary off-piste challenges.
Ski Area
If you ski Val d'Isere you are also in the ski region of Espace Killy.
Off the Slopes
The centre of Val d'Isere is packed with countless bars, restaurants and clubs - whatever your budget, whatever your food tastes, you'll find something here to suit you. Nightlife is lively, with recommended choices including Le Bananas, the Moris Bar (for live music) and Petit Danois for pool and shooters. Sports fans head to the Pacific, while for some French ambience you should try the Underground. Finally there is the legendary Dick's Tea Bar, a favourite late night stop off - trust us!
Who's it Best For?
Val d'Isere is a pretty, attractive resort, albeit quite expensive! So do be prepared to pay through the nose for basic items like a cup of coffee! But that said the skiing here is great. If you want variety and are a confident skier or boarder you will love it. The Espace Killy ski area is huge and Val d'Isere offers good challenging runs with great off piste.
Val d'Isere is a popular choice for many Brits. You get to ski some great challenging runs and can also easily access some other great resorts in the Espace Killy ski area. This is not a resort you will ever get bored in!
Val d'Isere can however be an expensive option so it does pay to look around. If you have the budget we can help you find luxury hotels and chalets complete with private chef. But there are also cheaper options, we can offer some great ski package deals from leading tour operators which make Val d'Isere a more realistic option.
Why Choose Val d'Isere ?
- Good challenging slopes
- Great variety of slopes within a huge ski area
- Lively resort with good nightlife
- Wide choice of ski schools including good off piste lessons
Right for You?
If you have made your mind up and Val d'Isere is right for you then check out the holiday offers we have below. If however you are still not sure then check out our Val D'Isere tailormade ski holidays service to help you.
For many of us staying in a chalet is what a ski holiday is all about and even better if it is slopeside where you can ski in and ski out. Val d'Isere has some amazing ski chalets and whilst it does have a reputation for being expensive, it does pay to look around as there are some great bargains to be had.
Val d'Isere offers almost every type of chalet there is from large chalets for 20 complete with private chef, swimming pool and hot tub to more intimate affairs with less frills. The choice here is superb.
Where Should I Get the Chalet?
Val d'Isere probably offers more choice than any other resort when it come to chalets! In fact at the last count it offered over 150 catered chalets to choose from! A good starting point is to decide your budget and whether you want a lively setting or something a little more serene.
The centre of town can get a little noisy so for something a little quieter check out Le Cret which also offers great views overt he Espace Killy. For great ski in ski out check out Le Joseray, La Legettaz and Le Chatelard. And finally if you are looking for good value for money check out La Daille.
Whilst for many a ski holiday is all about staying in a chalet that is changing somewhat with the emergence of some great quality apartments. Apartments can generally work out a little cheaper than a chalet and can be great for large groups or families travelling together.
Val d'Isere offers an enormous choice of apartments so you should find something to suit your budget. The centre of Val d'Isere has some good budget, self catering apartments. Le Cret is the place to look for more high end apartments and you will find good ski in ski out apartments in places like Le Joseray and La Legettaz. For those of you on tighter budgets head to La Daille where you will find high rise apartment blocks, but you are only 5 minutes from the centre of town on a free bus!
Why Choose an Apartment?
Whilst you can find luxury apartment complete with chef and swimming pool apartments can generally be a good option if you are on a tighter budget. Val d'Isere does have cheaper apartments which could save you a fortune. In addition, they can be a great option if you are travelling with another family. Booking apartments in the same block can allow you to holiday together but not live in each others pockets.
Many apartments are also in great locations, in the centre of town or Val D'Isere does have some good ski in ski out options. So you may pay less than a chalet but still not compromise on a great location!
Hotels can be a great choice of accommodation on your ski holiday. Many offer great value for money and with many still in family ownership the level of service can be exceptional. Val d'Isere offers a great range of hotels to choose from including luxury International chain hotels to small cosy family run affairs.
Val d'Isere offers 30 hotels to choose from so you can be sure you can get what you are looking for. They range for 5* luxury to family friendly and of course ski in ski out options are available.
What Types of Hotels are Available?
Val d'Isere offers some amazing 5* hotels complete with spas and fine dining. Check out Les Barmes de L'Ours which sits on the edge of Le Face and has a Michelin star for its restaurant. For good 3 * options check out Hotel le Samovar and Hotel Ormelune.
For those of you on a budget you may be surprised to hear that you do have options! The Fjord Chalet Hotel is a 2* hotel in the heart of Val d'Isere, just a short walk to the slopes, bars and restaurants.
Sorting out your airport transfer is crucial if you want your ski holiday to get off to a stress free start. The most convenient airport to Val d'Isere is Chambery about 2 1/2 hours away. Other options include Lyon, at 3 hours away and Geneva 3 1/2 hours away.
Airport Transfers from Geneva
We have included Geneva here as for many Brits this offers the greatest choice of flights and airlines into the Alps. The most cost effective way to get to Val d'Isere from Geneva is to share a mini bus service. This is great if you are travelling in a large group and there are many transfer companies that offer this.
Alternatively you can hire a car from the airport, take a taxi, use a scheduled bus, take the train or even take a private helicopter transfer! If you are hiring a car and plan to drive to Val d'Isere do consider that the road is a mountainous windy road which can get quite hazardous in heavy snow, so do ensure that you comply with all driving laws and are safe.
Private Minibus Transfers to Val d'Isere
This is probably the most cost effective way to get from one of the main airports to Val d'Isere, particularly if you are a group that can all share the cost. There are a number of private companies that provide this service and costs range from 50 Euros for a single trip per person from Chambery to 80 Euros from Geneva.
FEATURED SKI TRANSFERS
If you're looking for Val D'Isere ski schools this winter, then we can help. Whether you are a skier or boarder, book your ski lessons and snowboarding lessons online to get the best deals and availablility. Ski school providers will offer private, group, beginner or advanced lessons in most cases.
Val D'Isere ski schools
If you really want to improve your ski and snowboard technique, finding a Val D'Isere ski school to book ski or snowboard professional instruction is a must. Why not choose from any one of a number of Val D'Isere ski schools below and at the very least boost your confidence on the slopes this winter.