Chalet Lievre

The fantastic Savoyard ski resort of Val d’Isere is nestled on the border of the stunning Vanoise National Park in a beautiful valley. Val d’Isere enjoys a wonderful location within the Alps mountain tops. The resort enjoys a charming, authentic ambience, an attractive historic centre, endless chocolate-box chalets, a wonderful array of unique boutiques and fantastic bars and eateries. Val d’Isere is linked with Tignes, offering a massive ski playground. Val d’Isere’s snowfall record is brilliant with the lifts and skiing usually staying open until the end of the season at the beginning of May. The centre of Val d’Isere is a bustling high street which is surrounded by a number of small hamlets including Le Cret, Le Joseray, Le Chatelard, La Legettaz and Le Laisinant.

The Espace Killy area including Tignes is the birthplace of the Olympic skier Jean-Claude Killy. Its connections and advanced ski infrastructure is excellent with more than 3400 km of pistes and 99 lifts. As well as the Grande Motte glacier which offers 20 km of summer ski runs, it also boasts the challenging black-rated piste, Face de Bellevarde with its 915 m drop. Its height altitude from 1850 m to 3400 m guarantees some of the best snow in Europe. The ski area is perfect for all levels of skiers with its mythical slopes, almighty challenges and its quiet ski areas for beginners and children. The Valkids area and Valpark, a brilliant snow park are welcome additions for families. Passes can be bought for any number of days as well as for those that do not want to ski. Family passes are also available. Pedestrians do not have to miss out on the stunning views and family lunches on the slopes as they can access many lifts including the Solaise gondola, the Pim Pam carpet, the Poum carpet, the Vallon gondola, the Funival, the Daille gondola, the Olympique cable car, the Fornet cable car and the Bellevarde chairlift. The resort operates some brilliant ski schools.

When the ski runs are closed, Val’d’Isere is a fabulous place for a wander, for evening entertainment and for shopping. It is extremely picturesque with a 17th century church in the historic centre and delightful, characterful shops, restaurants and bars. It is a known party destination with La Folie Douce being one of it main evening attractions. For those that don’t ski or want a day off, there are some excellent spas and a brilliant leisure centre. There is a lot of entertainment for children which is very helpful. During the summer, Val d’Isere enjoys fabulous biking and hiking trails and the wonderful Vanoise National Park. 

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.