Val d’Isère is a world-renowned ski resort with a vibrant atmosphere and incredible skiing opportunities. Situated at 1,850m, this high-altitude resort forms part of the Espace Killy ski area, offering 300km of skiable terrain. Val d’Isère is celebrated for its reliable snow and picturesque Pisaillas glacier, which allows for year-round skiing at altitudes reaching up to 3,300m, providing breathtaking panoramic views across the Isère Valley.
With an efficient and extensive lift system, Val d’Isère is linked to the neighbouring resort of Tignes, offering vast terrain to explore. While it is best suited for intermediate and advanced skiers, Val d’Isère also caters to beginners.
Val d’Isère Ski Area
Val d’Isère’s ski area comprises three main zones: Solaise, Bellevarde and Fornet. Solaise and Bellevarde can be accessed directly from the town centre, while Fornet is reachable from the Solaise area or the villages of Le Fornet and Le Laisinant. The resort features 166 runs: 14% green, 40% blue, 27% red and 19% black, catering to a range of skiing abilities.
Beginner Skiing in Val d’Isère
Although Val d’Isère is famed for its challenging terrain, it provides excellent facilities for beginners. The resort has superb nursery slopes with two main areas: one in the village and one at the top of the Solaise gondola. As beginners progress, they can explore designated beginner areas such as Verte and Madeleine. These higher altitude, gentle slopes offer ideal conditions for novices, with lifts available for descent to avoid more challenging lower pistes.
Intermediate Skiing in Val d’Isère
Intermediate skiers will find Val d’Isère a paradise with its abundance of blue and red runs. The Solaise area is perfect for lower-intermediate skiers, featuring wide, rolling blues. More advanced intermediates should venture to the Bellevarde area and ski down to La Daille. The OK run in this region is a must-try; despite its unassuming name, this red run is a famous World Cup downhill course, providing an exhilarating experience. Val d’Isère’s grading system tends to be more challenging compared to other French resorts, so intermediates should plan their routes carefully to build confidence.
Advanced Skiing in Val d’Isère
Advanced skiers will relish the challenging terrain in Val d’Isère, with nearly 20% of runs being black. The most renowned run is La Face, the men’s downhill course from the 1992 Olympics. This iconic black run features a steep 71% incline and a vertical descent of nearly 1000m, often becoming icy in the afternoon. It’s advisable to tackle La Face in the morning when the snow is softer. Another challenging run is Epaule du Charvet, a long, ungroomed mogul descent that will test even the most seasoned skiers.
Off-piste Skiing in Val d’Isère
Val d’Isère is renowned for its exceptional lift-served off-piste skiing. From steep chutes to expansive snowy bowls, advanced skiers have a wealth of off-piste terrain to explore. The Col Pers, starting on the Pisaillas glacier and descending into the Gorges de Malpasset, is a favourite among off-piste enthusiasts. Another popular route is Le Banane, accessed from the top of the Olympique cable car, offering a thrilling 900m vertical drop. Early starts are recommended to secure fresh tracks. For safety, booking a local guide with expertise in off-piste skiing is essential.
Snowparks in Val d’Isère
Val d’Isère offers excellent snowparks, catering to freestyle enthusiasts of all levels. The Valpark, located in the Bellevarde area, features a range of jumps, rails and boxes. It’s designed to challenge both beginners and experienced freestylers. The park is meticulously maintained, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Additionally, there are areas dedicated to beginners who want to try freestyle skiing or snowboarding in a more controlled environment.
Conclusion
Val d’Isère is a premier skiing destination that offers something for everyone, from beginners to advanced skiers. With its extensive and varied terrain, efficient lift system,and vibrant atmosphere, it is an ideal location for a memorable skiing holiday. Whether you’re looking to improve your skills on gentle slopes, challenge yourself on world-renowned runs, or explore thrilling off-piste areas, Val d’Isère has it all. To make the most of your trip, consider booking an expert instructor or guide through Maison Sport to help you navigate the best runs and enhance your skiing experience.