When it comes to picking your dream ski destination, a number of factors come into play. You might want a high altitude resort with snow sure conditions to ensure the ultimate ski experience. Perhaps an assortment of fun and adventurous activities to enjoy after skiing. Maybe there needs to be a selection of exclusive, high-end bars and restaurants to match the glamour of your ultimate luxury chalet. When it comes to luxury ski chalet holidays, Val d’Isère delivers all these things and more.

The wonderful ski resort of Val d’Isère has attracted luxury clientele to its traditional French village for decades. Val d’Isère boasts an extensive ski area (shared with Tignes), a traditional atmosphere with classic old stone and wood buildings, and a luxurious reputation. You can also expect an array of world class après ski, delightful restaurants, and extensive list of things to do when not skiing. This is all punctuated by a great collection of ultimate luxury chalets in Val d’Isère.

Having spent two seasons in Val d’Isère training for and completing various ski instructor qualifications, I have come to know both the ski area and resort extremely well. Read on for the ultimate guide to all things Val d’Isère…

Resort Overview

The heart of the resort centres around the old town and main snow front, at 1,850m altitude. This charming, picturesque location is home to luxury boutiques and the majority of bars and restaurants. The satellite villages of La Daille and Le Fornet can be found at opposite ends of the ski resort. This stretches the resort 5km along the valley from around 1,800m to 1,950m altitude. There is a fantastic local bus service that makes travelling anywhere in resort a matter of ease. Naturally, for the VIP lifestyle, many ski chalets in Val d’Isère will come equipped with their own driver service too. From the centre, the resort also extends up a third direction the Manchet valley, home to most of the ski-in, ski-out properties in Val d’Isère.

Val d’Isère Ski Area

On luxury ski chalet holidays in Val d’Isère, you’ll find an incredible number of slopes to explore. The Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area (formerly Espace Killy) sits at over over 3,500m altitude and provides an extensive playground of more than 300km. While skiing in Val d’Isère has a historic reputation for more intermediate and advanced skiers, this is no longer solely the case. This guide to Val d’Isère features some notable highlights for skiers of all abilities.

For Beginners

• Village Chairlift — The village chairlift on the main snow front is free of charge. It’s the perfect area for first time skiers.
• Solaise — Purchase a Solaise Beginner’s Pass and you have access to a network of greens and easy blue runs located in a sunny alpine bowl at the top of the Solaise gondola.
• Grand Pré & Borsat — From the top of the Bellevarde mountain, you can ski the green Verte run down to the Borsat chairlift. From here, enjoy long, confidence-building green runs in a loop between the Borsat and Grand Pré chairlifts.

For Intermediates

• OK Orange — The “OK” Orange red slope travels directly beneath the Marmottes chairlift leading to the top of the Bellevarde, before splitting off just above La Folie Douce. This wide, rolling piste has a mix of challenging steeper sections and cruisy flats for intermediates to push themselves on.
• La Daille — Beneath the La Daille gondola is a network of treelined reds and blues, perfect for days with lower visibility.
• Glacier du Pisaillas — Over towards Le Fornet, and the highest point of the Val d’Isère side of the ski area. This area has a mix of narrower reds and blues with fantastic snow conditions all throughout the season.

For Experts

• Face de Bellevarde — The iconic world cup piste, and one of the steepest runs in the resort. The Face is one of those bucket list ski runs that all skiers have to accomplish at least once.
• Solaise — The runs from the top of Solaise to the main snow front are a mix of steeper reds and quiet blacks for experts to challenge themselves on. The highlight is the infamous S Bumps (Piste S), a seemingly endless mogul field that will give even the strongest ski legs a workout.
• Off Piste — Val d’Isère has some of the best lift-accessed off-piste skiing in the world. Even without touring equipment, there are incredible powder fields and challenging back country tree lines waiting to be accomplished.

Additional Ski Highlights

• Tignes — Making up the other half of the Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area, you have a multitude of additional amazing slopes here to explore on your luxury ski chalet holidays to Val d’Isère. These slopes range from the top of the Grande Motte (3,456m) to the lowest village of Tignes Les Brévières (1,550m).
• Snow Parks & Boarder Cross — There’s a snow park located below the Mont Blanc chairlift, with another one underneath Grattalu in Tignes. Several fun boardercross courses can be found across the entire ski area, open to boarders and skiers alike.
• Flèche — Roughly once each week, and more often in peak periods, ESF (ski school) run a giant slalom race open to the public. The Flèche is located on the Raye piste in La Daille, or the OK in late season.

Non-Skiing Activities

Luxury chalet holidays in Val d’Isère are about a lot more than just the ski aspect. When not exploring the incredible pistes, Val d’Isère is home to all manner of fun and exciting off ski activities. There is a range of experiences suited to all ages. These vary from familiar winter favourites to uniquely exhilarating activities that are sure to get the adrenaline pumping. In fact, our list of best non-skiing mountain activities is a taste of what is available to try in Val d’Isère.

Ice Adventures

An experience imported from the Arctic lands of Finland, try out ice floating on your next luxury ski holiday in Val d’Isère. Wearing a dry suit, you enter a small pool carved out of the frozen Lac de l’Ouillette at the top of Solaise. This unique experience provides sensory isolation, made even more magical when floating at nighttime beneath clear skies and bright stars. Alternatively, head over to the frozen waterfalls in La Daille and challenge yourself to scaling these impressive features. Whether in a group or solo lesson, crampons and ice axes are provided for this wonderful off ski experience. Meanwhile, in the centre of town, an open air ice rink welcomes you for some skating fun.

Family Fun

Situated adjacent to the main snow front, the 5,000m² Centre Aquasportif is a multi-functional sports and spa complex with plenty of things to do in Val d’Isère for the whole family. A sizeable swimming pool, fully-equipped gym, climbing wall, and multipurpose sports hall provides plenty of entertainment for all ages. Meanwhile, adults can treat themselves to some much-needed pampering in the wellness area, while kids will love the interactive games and driving simulator. Outside, a number of sled adventures are available for you to try. From dog sledding in the Manchet Valley, to snake gliss and tobogganing, this will surely bring excitement and fun for all the family.

Wheelie Good Times

You may be a master of the slopes on a pair of two planks, but can you master the slippery stuff on wheels instead? There are a number of entertaining non-skiing activities in Val d’Isère designed just for this. From fat-biking across snowy ground to testing your driving skills around an icy go-kart track. Upgrade your e-buggy to a fully motorised vehicle and take on Val d’Isère’s driving school, providing you with professional training across tough terrain.

Daredevils Rejoice

For the thrill-seekers among you, there are some non-skiing activities in Val d’Isère sure to get the adrenaline going. Take to the skies off the summit of the Solaise via paragliding. Alternatively, live out your James Bond fantasies by flying in a micro-light aircraft. Back on the ground, there is a variety of snowmobiling activities for both adults and kids to take part in, as both passenger and driver!

Best Restaurants in Val d’Isère

Val d’Isère plays host to a number of stunning eateries, from traditional Savoyard dining to gourmet delicacies and everything inbetween. While you’ll often be staying in luxury catered chalets on ski holidays in Val d’Isère, there are still plenty of in-resort dining options worth your consideration. Between slopeside mountain lunches and the fine dining in resort on the chef’s night off, you are sure to find an impeccable meal to suit you. While not a completely exhaustive list of the best places to eat in Val d’Isère, we’ve picked out a number of highlights below.

Mountain Treasures

• La Peau de Vache – Found along the Face at the top of the Bellevarde Express chairlift. Offering hearty meals of haute cuisine, either in the cosy restaurant, or on a terrace overlooking the village.
• Folie Douce – While better known for its après parties, La Folie Douce also houses 5 restaurants. The highlights are La Fruitière, with an authentic, local menu; the gourmet Italian dishes of La Cucùcina; and Les 3 Caves, intimate rooms dedicated entirely to cheese, wine or cigars that can be taken for a fully private meal.
• L’Etincelle – A varied menu in a restaurant with a warm ambience and capacious terrace. Located at the foot of the Solaise.
• Le Refuge – The restaurant of Le Refuge de Solaise at the top of the Solaise gondola. Expect gourmet Savoyard recipes and authentic mountain dishes, either on an extensive sunny terrace or in the charming restaurant.
• Le Panoramic – Situated on the Tignes side of the ski area at the bottom of the cable car leading up the Grande Motte glacier. A traditional menu with dishes that often utilise grilled meats. Le Panoramic is presented by Clément Bouvier, head chef of Ursus, Tignes’ Michelin Star restaurant.

For the Finer Palate

• La Table de l’Ours – The only Michelin Star restaurant in Val d’Isère. A must-visit for gourmands, this chic establishment offers flavoursome modern cuisine.
• L’Altiplano – Located in the 5* Hotel Le K2 Chogori, L’Altiplano borrows its concept from the similarly amazing gourmet restaurants of Courchevel 1850. Expect exquisite dishes of Peruvian inspiration.
• Blizzard – A refined menu that utilises seasonal produce in a gourmet way, located in the very heart of resort.
• Palladio – An Italian trattoria situated within the impressive 5* Hotel Airelles Val d’Isère on the main snow front. You can enjoy flavourful Mediterranean dishes in the cosy dining room or on the glorious main terrace.
• Maison Chevallot – Maison Chevallot is more than just a bakery. Under the direction of Patrick Chevallot, who was awarded the prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier de France, there are dozens of incredible pastries and sweet treats for you to sample.

Traditional Favourites

• Fondue Factory – The best spot in town for cheese lovers and anyone craving this traditional Alpine fare.
• Le Garage – A popular spot in the centre of town for anyone looking for a good, hearty meal. As a bonus, it serves food until late.

Val d’Isère Après Ski

Amongst all the ski resorts in France, Val d’Isère has a reputation as one of the most legendary for après ski. When not exploring the vast ski area or indulging in your luxury chalet facilities, you are likely to find yourself in one of the resort’s many incredible bars. Val d’Isère après ski has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in a classy cocktail, or wanting to fully embrace the jubilant party atmosphere.

On the Slopes

The après ski bars in Val d’Isère on the slopes are famous around the world for their vivacious parties. At the top of the La Daille gondola you’ll find the illustrious Folie Douce. While now featuring multiple locations across the French Alps, the Val d’Isère Folie Douce was the original. Arguably, it is also still the best. Dancers, acrobats, DJs, and live music can all be found at this wonderful bar. Dance on tables on the spacious terrace as the sun goes down, or head to the VIP balcony to spray Jeroboams of Champagne and experience ultimate revelry.

Another of Val d’Isère’s best bars for après ski is found on the main snow front. Cocorico is a well known favourite to any après ski lover. Luxury ski chalet holidays to Val d’Isère wouldn’t be complete without a trip to this incredible spot. A more intimate outdoor terrace compared to Folie, you can expect live music and DJs well into the evening. You haven’t experienced Val d’Isère après ski until you’ve danced to ACDC’s Thunderstruck as flames fire off above the dancefloor. For those who don’t want the party to end, Doudoune Club sits underground of the après bar, open until the early hours of the morning.

Hotel Hotspots

For those wanting a classier, more exclusive après experience, the resort is home to a number of sophisticated bars situated within the many luxurious 5* hotels in Val d’Isère. Whether sipping marvellous cocktail creations, or enjoying an afternoon glass of wine, they offer a more refined version of après ski. Soundtracked by dulcet piano tones, Le Bar Rouge in the slopeside Hotel Airelles Val d’Isère is one such option. Alternately, head to the laid back lounge bar of the 5* Hotel Blizzard in the centre of town. Mixology and music can also be enjoyed in the refined atmospheres of Bar Le 1954 at Hotel Le K2 Chogori, the Sofa Bar des Balmes de l’Ours, and Bar La Mourra.

Open to All

Of course, outside of the notorious Cocos and Folie, and beyond the exclusive elegance of the hotels, there is an abundance of bars, pubs, and places to grab a drink with a welcoming atmosphere for all clientele. Once you leave Folie and ski down, you can continue your après ski in La Daille either at the lively Rosée Blanche or the classy Tontons, the latter a favourite haunt of the Folie staff at the end of their shift. Le Petit Danois is another spot known for energetic fun, found in the centre of town. Naturally, you’ll surely discover your own favourite bars in Val d’Isère with so many different options around town.

Luxury Ski Chalets in Val d’Isère

The best ultimate luxury chalets in Val d’Isère provide an exclusive haven on your luxury ski holiday. There are spacious homes brimming with facilities tucked away in the most private locations in resort. You also have a choice of ski-in, ski-out chalets in Val d’Isère with unparalleled access to the slopes. Luxury chalets in Val d’Isère with swimming pools, hot tubs, and other fantastic spa features offer serenity and tranquillity after skiing. Catered accommodation provides private gourmet dinners of ultimate luxury. Alternatively, self catered chalets let you make the most of the best restaurants and incredible après ski. There’s even a mix of interior styles for differing tastes, whether choosing an elegant, modern home, or a traditional alpine chalet exploding with character. Whatever your dream ski accommodation, Val d’Isère is sure to have something to suit your requirements.

If this guide has left you feeling inspired for your next ski holiday, then we’re here to help. Get in touch with one of our Ski Specialists for advice on ultimate luxury ski chalet holidays in Val d’Isère, or anywhere else in the Alps for that matter. Give us a call on +44 (0)1202 203653! Alternately, you can send us an email instead.

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