Guide to Val d'Isère
Virtual tour in Val d'Isère
Val d'Isère and the neighboring resort of Tignes form a single skiing area L'Espace Killy, named after the Olympic champion Jean-Claude Killy, who was born here. Every year Criterium de la Premiere Neige competitions are held here, and in 2009 Val d'Isere hosted the World Alpine Ski Championships.
The slopes around the resort are conventionally divided into three sectors: Bellevarde (2770 meters above sea level), Solaise (2560 meters above sea level) and Col de l'Iseran (2765 meters above sea level). Higher up is the Pissaillas glacier (3300 meters above sea level). The best black piste, where only the pros ski, is Face. It is famous for its 63% gradient. Less extreme, but also quite difficult descent - Oreiller-Killy.
For beginners, the Madeleine piste in the Solaise area and some slopes in the Col de l'Iseran area are suitable. For cross-country skiing there are 24 kilometers of slopes, the longest of which is Manchet (6 kilometers).
At an altitude of 2,500 meters above sea level is the Valpar Oakley snow park. It is designed for freestyle fans with any level of training: from beginners to experts. There are jumps, 25 jibbing figures, a boarder-cross course, half-pipe and big air.
Photos of Val d'Isère
Interesting places in Val d'Isère
Outside the slopes you'll find entertainment for all tastes. From 14:00 to 17:00 there is an open-air skating rink (entrance costs 5-6 EUR). Want something more extreme? Evolution 2 and Air Professionnels parapente companies will offer you a tandem paragliding flight (about 80 EUR). To relax after a busy day, Le center aqua sportif sports center offers two swimming pools, a sauna, a Jacuzzi, a massage room and a hammam.
Flight ticket prices
The nearest major airport to Val d’Isère is Geneva International Airport, located about 220 km from the resort. It receives flights from many European cities, including London, Warsaw, Paris, Barcelona, and Madrid. Travelers can reach Val d’Isère by transfer, rental car, or by train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, where buses run regularly. The total journey takes approximately 3.5–4 hours.
Direct flights to Geneva are operated by Swiss International Air Lines, Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, easyJet, and Vueling. Ticket prices depend on the season and departure city. On average, flights from London start at €50, from Warsaw at €90, and from Barcelona at €70. During peak season, especially in winter, prices may increase significantly, so booking in advance is recommended.
The best hotels in Val d'Isère
The search for budget accommodation leads tourists to La Daille, Le Fornet, Bonneval-sur-Arc, Bessans, Granier and other villages nearby. Here you can rent an apartment for two people for only 50 EUR even in high season. In Val d'Isere prices are higher - from 140 EUR per night for a room in a 2* hotel to 800 EUR per night in one of the best 5* hotels. For large companies and families it may be interesting to rent a chalet, which can easily accommodate 8-10 people. In winter it will cost you up to 1000 EUR per day.
Travel budget
If your budget is limited, the first thing you should do is try to cut down on your accommodation costs. Staying in one of the neighboring villages, you will get excellent conditions at a price two or three times less! There are also affordable cafes and restaurants where you can eat delicious and inexpensive meals.
| The budget for a trip to Val d'Isère | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | from 550 EUR | Accommodation | from 50 EUR per day |
| Average check in a restaurant | from 30 EUR | Ski passes | 648 EUR for 7 days |
| Total: about 2038 EUR for a week for two people | |||
Airport in Val d'Isere
Chambéry Airport is 144 kilometers from Val d'Isere, Lyon Airport is 220 kilometers away, and Geneva Airport is 222 kilometers away. Tourists prefer the latter option, as Geneva-Cointrin has convenient direct flights.
Transfer to Val d'Iseriz airport
After arriving in Geneva, you can take the train to Bourg-St. Maurice station, from where buses run to Val d'Isère. There are also direct Altibus buses from Geneva-Cointrin airport to the resort. A one-way ticket costs 70 EUR, round trip 98 EUR.
Public transportation in Val d'Isere
From late November to early May, free ski-buses are available on three routes: Daille-Fornet (red), Rond-point des pistes-Legettaz (blue) and Gare routière-Pont du Joseray (yellow). They operate from 7:35 to 02:10, with a service interval of up to 40 minutes.
They are open from 7:35 to 02:10, with a service interval of up to 40 minutes.
Car rental in Val d'Isere
The resort is small and free buses run throughout the area in season. It makes sense to rent a car if you plan to explore the region and don't want to be tied to public transportation schedules. Rental costs from 40 EUR per day.
Safety in Val d'Isere
Ski patrol officers are on the slopes to help athletes in trouble. To avoid serious injuries, choose the right level of slopes for you, use protective equipment and follow the rules of behavior in the mountains.