Val d’Isère and the Espace Killy has a reputation as being one of the best ski areas in the world, making it one of the most popular resorts. The Brits in particular flock to Val d’Isere and neighbouring Tignes where they ski hard all day and party hard all night.
The ski terrain has plenty to offer all standards and there are many activities available for non-skier too, making it a great base for one and all. With one of the longest seasons in the Alps, Val d’Isère welcomes winter guests from the end of November through to early May.
The original village dates back to the eleventh century and has continued to grow ever since. In more recent years traditional building materials have been favoured once again, so the resort as a whole is becoming prettier year on year. There is a wide selection of hotels and chalets to suit all size groups and budgets.
There are a number of satellite villages based outside of the main resort, with a free local bus service connecting these and the ski area throughout the day and well into the night.
For a real day out head over to Tignes les Brévières for lunch. By the time you are back at base in Val you will have clocked up some impressive mileage under your skis.
L’Arolay in Le Fornet is a great lunch stop, or worth the trip for dinner. Serving local specialities in a friendly atmosphere it is easily accessible after a hardcore morning of off-piste.
Don’t forget to visit the old village centre. It is a charming quarter complete with an ancient church dating back to 1553.
The Espace Killy (Val d’Isère and Tignes) is one of the finest ski areas in the world. The beginner slopes are ideally located in the heart of the village and don’t require a lift pass, whilst the variety of runs for all other ski levels are well dispersed throughout the area offering access to all corners of the Espace Killy for every standard. The neighbouring modern resorts of Tignes offer more altitude and glacier skiing way above the tree line and the traditional villages of Sainte Foy and Tignes les Brévières are packed full of Savoyarde charm. For a big challenge, the legendary Face de Bellevarde awaits imposingly as an option to return to Val at the end of the day (other routes are available!).
The off-piste opportunities are endless, much of it on unspoilt National Parkland. In Val d’Isère the off-piste is divided into five different areas, and Tignes has plenty more to discover. We can assist with booking the best off-piste guides to help you find the best runs. The resort is located in the Tarentaise Valley close to the Italian border, where you can enjoy the thrills of heli-skiing.
Val d’isère has a huge number of restaurants to choose from, from Michelin-starred dining to takeout pizza, and everything in between. For delicious local specialities, tartiflette, fondue or pierre chaude try one of the more traditional Taverne d’Alsace, Casserole or Bar Jacques. For a gourmet dinner we would recommend Le Laisinant, the Table de l’Ours or the Aigle des Neiges. The Perdrix Blanche is located centrally in resort and offers a wide menu and consistently good feedback at a reasonable price.
On the mountain there has been a recent improvement in the restaurants available, La Fruitière at the top of the La Daille gondola has long been a recommended favourite, Edelweiss above Le Fornet has a great menu and atmosphere. There are also plenty of other more modest offerings for a quick lunch when skiing is the priority.
The après ski at the Folie Douce offers daily live music up the mountain with dancing on tables and back in resort there are a huge number of bars to welcome you after a hard day on the slopes. For late night fun there is Dick’s Tea Bar, Doudoune and Graal. Again, if nightlife is your fancy then Kaluma will recommend a hotels or luxury catered ski chalets in Val dIsère, within easy reach of the amenities.
Geneva: 2 hours 30 minutes
Chambery: 2 hours
