Chalet Barbara

Val d’Isère is a picturesque Savoyard resort set on the edge of the Vanoise National Park, surrounded by spectacular Alpine scenery. The historic centre is full of charm, with its 17th-century church, boutique shops, inviting bars, and excellent restaurants. Beyond the bustling high street, smaller hamlets such as Le Crêt and Le Joseray offer a more peaceful setting.

Linked with Tignes to form the vast Espace Killy, Val d’Isère provides access to over 300 kilometres of pistes and 99 lifts, alongside glacier skiing on the Grande Motte. Its high-altitude setting between 1850 metres and 3400 metres guarantees outstanding snow conditions, with the season often running until early May. From challenging black runs like the Face de Bellevarde to beginner-friendly slopes and family areas such as Valkids and Valpark, the resort caters to every level of skier.

Guests benefit from a private shuttle service providing morning and afternoon transport to and from the slopes, operating daily in the mornings between 8:30am and 10:00am, and again in the afternoons between 4:00pm and 6:00pm offering convenient and flexible access to the pistes.

Val d’Isère is also renowned for its vibrant après-ski scene, with La Folie Douce a notable highlight. For non-skiers, the resort offers a range of activities including luxurious spas, a modern leisure centre, and lift access for mountain lunches and stunning panoramic views. During the summer months, the area transforms into a paradise for hikers and cyclists, with direct trails into the breathtaking Vanoise National Park.

Read more about Val d'Isere

Val d’Isere is the oldest of the French ski resorts and a gleaming icon at the end of the valley where the residential town lies. Surrounded by what is arguably some of the most beautiful mountain landscape in the world, the chalet village is centred around a charming baroque church. It’s a lovely place for wandering, taking in the cosy atmosphere and spending quality time with your favourite people.

Val d’Isere is composed of three skiing sections. These are La Daille, Val d’Isere centre and Le Fornet, all of which are linked by a free shuttle service. Alongside Tignes, the resort is part of a wider ski area known as Espace Killy, and a lift pass will get you access to its entirety. Ski season in both resorts stretches as long as May. 

Thanks to its high altitude, Val d’Isere is probably your most snow sure option for skiing in the French Alps. The village rests at 1850 metres and its peak on top of the La Grande Motte glacier is 3456 metres high. Sixty per cent of the resort’s pistes are set above 2200 metres, meaning that the skiing is consistently good but on rare occasions, bad weather can cause the slopes to close. It’s also important to keep in mind that Val d’Isere isn’t the best choice if you’re just finding your feet on the snow, and beginners may well find themselves challenged. On the flipside, Val d’Isere is one of the top choices for experienced skiers and snowboarders, with plenty of challenging black runs (such as the iconic Face the Bellevarde, where the 1992 Olympic men’s downhill was run).

And to go with some of the most exciting and picturesque skiing in France, down in the village you’ll find some amazing bars and restaurants. What better way to celebrate conquering that tricky black run than by indulging in some equally entertaining après-ski? On the mountain itself, you can start your evening with DJ’s and live music at La Folie Douce until the lifts close and then work your way into town.