VIP SKI Blog

The trickiest part of this route is the T-Bar to the top of the Pisaillas glacier. Look far and high left on the piste map. For the best snow, take off your skis and hike 50 meters up and around the top of the T-Bar station. From there, traverse far right and slide downhill on nothing more than a green run steepness. It holds good snow for ages due to it’s altitude. Chalky snow in barren snow times, and some spring later in the season.

You’ll finish up at the bottom of the Pay Desert drag lift. What’s not to like!

A well-frequented route a top the Grand Pre lift behind the big Val d’Isere sign. Go straight on and right a bit. If you go downhill, you’ll end up back in the Manchet valley at the chairlift. At first this route is a low gradient and holds powder for a while after a dump. The steeps then bring some risk, and potentially refrozen snow as they face south. However, if you get it right, this route can be magical and truly feels far from the throng. Follow the river through a miniature yet aesthetic gorge to get back to the lifts.

Look around on the way through the valley bottom, Chamois are a rare but beautiful sight, and I always will them to escape the red-bearded vultures above.

Cugnai is an off-piste gem in Val d'Isere, it has some challenging yet rewarding terrain. Accessed from the top of the Cugnai lift, the entrance can be a little tricky. Skiers right holds spring snow, and far left cold winter powder. From halfway, one has the choice to follow the fall-line for a steep direct exit, or head a long way left through the boulder fields and couloir exits.

A client of mine once lost a ski in here, we therefore swapped and I drained my legs skiing out on a solitary ski, swapping feet every minute to share the drudgery.

My favourite lift accessible route in the area. Though not one for snowboarders as there is a kilometre of flat/up after the exit over the Pont St. Charles. Seriously, don’t do it. From the top of the Signal drag lift, briefly enter Grand Vallon, only to traverse the entire bowl and pop over the col at the far side. Route navigation is serious in this valley, there are many steep slopes, cornices and terrain traps. Please take care and ski with a guide for your first descent. It is skied far more rarely than it’s neighbouring Grand Vallon, leaving fresh snow if you can find it.

Look high right on the ski back to the Fornet bus stop, there’s a huge heard of Ibex hanging out on the cliffs most of the time.

This is the most serious route on the list, its inclusion is ethically debatable. Ski this at your own risk, not on my recommendation. From the Grand Pre lift, hike for approximately 20 minutes to the top of the Charvet ridge. From there, enter an intensely narrow, perhaps 3 meters wide, unduly steep, perhaps 45 degrees, couloir. If you make the first 20 meters, well done as it now eases off and you’ll be compensated with a thrilling ski back to the piste.

The fact that you can see this route everyday from the top of Bellevarde entices many, but few ever realise their ambition.

Please note, this is not a description of safe places to ski, in fact, somewhat the opposite. As you venture off-piste, it's essential to prioritise safety and be equipped with the necessary avalanche gear and knowledge! Don’t hesitate to speak with us at TDCSki and learn from one of our extremely experienced ski instructors who can guide you to the best spots.

The experienced instructors at TDCSki are on hand to offer private lessons, group clinics and off-piste guiding for both skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.

After an exhilarating day mastering the off-piste in Val d'Isère, indulge in relaxation and luxury with our selection of 18 catered ski chalets.

Which one will you choose?

This free-flowing red piste is often overlooked. Tucked at the top of the Manchet Valley, it's a run to nowhere, so ignored by anyone wanting to "travel" across the Espace Killy.

The first third is the perfect place to pick up the speed and practise carving. Split into three steeper pitches followed by gentle sections. You'll be able to push yourself safely, knowing there is a section to regroup and, if needed, regain control.

The middle third is nice and wide with a consistent gradient. This is another excellent place for advanced skiers to practise long carved turns, but the pitch doesn't change, so work on controlling your speed with your turn shape. If you want to take it easier, this is a great place to practise short turns.

With a little dog leg, the final third is the steepest pitch of the run. It's worth scrubbing a little speed as a sharpish right-hand turn can be crowded with people regrouping.

There is nothing not to love about this run. It's quiet, has a great rhythm and can be enjoyed by intermediate and advanced skiers, so it is perfect if you're skiing as a mixed group.

Despite not going anywhere, the lift back out of the Manchet Valley is the modern Manchet Express, so you'll be back at the top in no time. We regularly lap this run with our Advanced Ski Courses.

It is one of several red runs above La Daille, perfect for advanced skiers seeking a challenge. The OK is a famous downhill course that lets you test your skills on a world-class racing slope.

The piste descends more than 1000m in altitude from the top of the Bellevarde at 2800m to La Daille at 1785m. World Cup skiers make it top to bottom in about 1 minute 45 seconds.

Don't just ski this run once. You'll find incredible rollers, open sections and exciting turns as you ski the run. Learn these and build a picture in your mind. Work out which rollers you can jump off, where you can let your skis run and crank some incredible carved turns and where you need to scrub the speed and get back on top of things.

Then, put it all together. Have a go at skiing from top to bottom. You won't regret it.

An ungroomed black run feared by students on their BASI (British Association of Snowsports Instructors) exams, Piste S is a complete change of pace from the previous fast and flowing runs. The moguls here only get bigger as the season goes on. If you want a challenge, look no further.

We suggest skiing this run later in the day once the sun has had a chance to soften the snow. If you find yourself at the top of Piste S after heavy snow, beware. It might look lovely and smooth, but the bumps are right there, lurking beneath the surface.

We have a whole article on skiing moguls if you want some tips. 

Yes - it's technically three pistes, but they link together perfectly to form a continuous run from the top of Solaise to the snow front. Plan is a steep red run perfect for short turns. Please keep your eyes peeled for other skiers, as it can be busy.

We love skiing on the right-hand side of the piste as this is often a little quieter with better snow. It also makes it easier to find the junction to Rhone Alpes.

Rhone Alpes is an excellent black run for those jumping from red to black. It has steep sections followed by flatter runouts, is nice and quiet and is regularly groomed by the piste bashers. Confident black run skiers won't be bored as they can test themselves on the steep sections with a great safety net if it doesn't go to plan.

Combe Martin is steep, often bumpy and right under the lift, so you always have an audience. We love this run, as you can see from the top right to the bottom. Stop at the top and practise picking and visualising your line. Then ski it with intent, turn where you planned, and fight to keep that rhythm rather than react to each turn individually. Building that rhythm and skiing with intent is a significant part of improving your skills.

It's an obvious run to include on the list, and you've probably already decided to ski it. So here are our top tips.

This iconic black run was designed for the men's Olympic downhill at the 1992 Winter Olympics. La Face plunges down the mountain from the top of the Bellevarde cable car, offering steep, challenging terrain with a vertical drop of over 900 metres. When skiing this run with clients, we often break it into three main sections.

The Cable Car to the Road: This top section starts super cruisy. It's not steep compared to the rest of the run and has some brilliant sweeping corners and fun rollers. As you exit the second sweeping left-hand turn, start to kill some speed. As you approach the sharp right-hand turn onto the road, the run gets steeper and narrower. If you're with a group and know you have a couple of nervous skiers, you can take some time and regroup on the far right-hand side of the piste in the middle of the second sweeping left. The piste is wide here, and you'll spot an obvious place to stop. The right-hand turn onto the road is sharp. Make sure you're ready. The Road is a short, narrow section that takes you to the top of the Wall.

The Wall to the Pylon: The Wall is the steepest section of the run, dropping away sharply to the left from the road. It's nice and wide but best skied early in the day before it gets bumped up. A word of warning: at the bottom of the Wall, there is a prominent roller. Make sure you're in control of your speed. We have seen people so focused on surviving the steep section that they don't even realise it's there. They hit it at speed and go flying. Between this roller and the pylon, you have another two steep sections followed by incredibly fun rollers.

The Pylon to the Snowfront: The Home Straight. Consistently steep, nice and wide, with just one roller to worry about. It's the perfect place to nail those short slalom turns. This section is used for the men's World Cup Slalom at the start of the season. The piste is often injected with water to make the snow firmer (icier). It takes a good few snowfalls for the fresh snow to cover this, so be cautious early in the season.

The team of Ski and Snowboard Instructors at New Generation are available for Private Ski and Snowboard Lessons, Group Coaching or Off-piste Guiding. 

If you’re looking for somewhere to relax and unwind after a day conquering the infamous red and black runs in Val d’Isere, we have 18 luxury catered ski chalets to tempt you...

Which ski run will you tackle first?

LE SIGNAL €€

Situated at the top of the cable car in the beautiful Fornet ski area, Le Signal is a colourful, convivial and atmospheric mountain restaurant.

- Address: Top of the Fornet cable car, VAL D’ISERE
- Telephone: +33 (0)4 79 06 03 38
- Website
- Instagram
- Open every day from 11:00 to 16:30

L'Edelweiss €€

Excellent cuisine, fine wines, a friendly atmosphere and a terrace with exceptional views of the valley. Located in the Fornet area of Val d’Isere, on the blue Mangard run.

- Address: Halfway down the blue Mangard piste
- Telephone: +33 (0)6 10 28 70 64
- Website
- Open for lunch only

La Fruitière €€€

Perched high in the French Alps, this iconic venue blends gourmet dining with live entertainment and a vibrant après-ski atmosphere for a culinary experience like no other. Indulge in exquisite cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients, while taking in the breathtaking mountain views. As the day transitions to evening, the energy rises with live music, DJs, and performers, creating an unforgettable après-ski celebration.

- Address: At the top of the La Daille gondola (pedestrian access too)
- Telephone: +33 (0)4 79 06 07 17
- Website
- Instagram

- Open from 09:00 to 17:00

Bar de l’Ouillette €€

The terrace outside is one of the best places to grab a drink, a bite to eat or just relax in the sunshine. With bright coloured furniture and a fun atmosphere, you can choose from a variety of food and drink. There is limited seating indoors so this restaurant is best on a good weather day where you can sit in the sun and soak up the mountain atmosphere.

- Address: Located on the Solaise side of Val d'isere, at the bottom of the Madeleine piste.
- Telephone: +33 (0)4 79 06 63 10
- Open every day from 10:00 to 17:00

La Datcha €

With an outdoor terrace and warm, cosy indoor area serving food and drink throughout the day, La Datcha is a great place to stop for a bite to eat or a relaxing drink in the sunshine. With traditional Savoyard dishes and French cuisine, you can enjoy a delicious mountain meal.

- Address: Bottom of the Glacier Express chairlift (can be accessed on foot from cable car)
- Telephone: +33 (0)4 79 00 23 46
- Instagram
- Open for lunch every day

Le Trifollet €€

Nestled up above La Daille, Le Trifollet restaurant offers a large selection of dishes including, pizza, grills, salad and traditional French cuisine. Soak up the sun on the large terrace or enjoy the cosy and welcoming inside dining area.

- Address: Located on the Verte piste on the way down to La Daille
- Telephone: +33 (0)4 79 41 96 99
- Open from 09:00 to 16:30

L'Etincelle €€€

L’Etincelle is relatively new and stands close to the Bellevarde Lodge chalets overlooking the main lift. The décor is sleek and contemporary, and the menu reflects this. Steak is a particular speciality. Pizzas from €25, lunchtime only.

- Address: Chemin de la Chapelle Saint Jean, 73150 VAL D’ISERE
- Telephone: +33 (0)4 79 41 13 11
- Website 
- Instagram

- Open for lunch every day and Thursday and Friday evenings

Peau de Vache

Located halfway down the Face de Bellevarde run and accessible from the Bellevarde chairlift, this restaurant is perfect for a long lunch on the slopes. Dog lovers will enjoy the attentions of the two resident Labradors who add to the homely atmosphere. Mains from €25.

- Address: Halfway down the Face de Bellevarde piste Telephone: +33 (0)4 79 06 11 29
- Website
- Instagram
- Open from 09:00 to 16:30

Le Refuge de Solaise €€€

(Le Petit Refuge and Gigi Val d’Isère restaurants)

Sitting in the brand-new Refuge de Solaise complex which encompasses the highest hotel in Europe, this is a special spot for a mountain lunch. It’s accessible via the Solaise gondola for non-skiers.

Le Petit Refuge offers homemade pizzas and several pasta dishes, served in the cheerful and relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant.

The Gigi Val d’Isère restaurant, with its stunning interiors designed by Hugo Toro, who also worked on the Gigi restaurants in Paris and Saint-Tropez, offers a selection of Italian specialities such as pizza with black truffle, lasagne topped with Parma ham and Beaufort cheese, and spaghetti with langoustines. During the school holidays and at weekends, the Kids Corner welcomes children in the restaurant between 12:00 and 15:00 to enjoy lunch with games and activities.

- Address: Top of the Solaise ski area
- Telephone: +33 (0)4 58 83 00 91
- Website
- Instagram
- Open every day for lunch from 12:00 to 15:00 (Le Petit Refuge and Gigi Val d’Isère) Dinner 19:00 to 22:30 (Friday only, Gigi Val d’Isère)

Roxy Quiksilver Cafe 

This is a cool diner-style cafe in the back of the Roxy/Quiksilver store in the centre of town. You can sit and watch the chefs making lunch and preparing dinner in the open-plan kitchen or enjoy people-watching from the terrace right on the main square. The service is fast and friendly with a great atmosphere. Free WIFI. Mains from €17.

- Address: Below the Kandahar Hotel, Avenue Olympique, 73150 VAL D'ISERE
- Telephone: +33 (0)4 79 06 09 54
- Website
- Instagram
- Open seven days a week for brunch, lunch and dinner, from 09:00 to 22:00 (non-stop service).

La Grande Ourse €€€

One of the older restaurants in the village, with a warm and luxurious atmosphere. They offer a weekly set menu plus specials in the evening.

- Address: Overlooking the Savonette draglift on the nursery slopes. 145 rue de La Poste, 73150 VAL D'ISERE
- Telephone: +33(4) 79 22 22 22
- Website
- Instagram 
- Open daily from 12:00 to 15:30 and 19:00 to 22:30

La Casa Scara €€-€€€

Excellent Italian restaurant open for dinner. Typical dishes include Carpaccio de boeuf, fresh lobster tagliatelle, parma ham and mozzarella piccata.

- Address: Opposite the church. Résidence Coeur de Val, 73150 VAL D'ISERE
- Telephone: +33 4 79 06 26 21
- Website
- Open every day from 19:00-22:00

Les Barmes De L’Ours €€€

Les Barmes de l’Ours boasts not one but three different restaurants. Michelin-starred La Table de l’Ours is an elegant restaurant inside a beautiful hotel. It is ideal for fine dining and connoisseurs of fine wines. It is also a great place to relax in a fireside armchair for pre-dinner drinks.

La Rôtisserie has turned spit-roasted meat into its signature fare and with gourmet mountain cuisine and desserts. (Pasta from €29, Rotisserie main from €42)

Le Coin Savoyard gives pride of place to local specialities and produce grown and reared in the immediate area, in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. (Mains from €39)

- Address: Montée de Bellevarde, 73150 VAL D’ISERE
- Telephone: +33 (0)4 79 41 37 00
- Website
- Instagram
- Open from 19:30 to 21:30 (La Table de l’Ours), 12:30 to 14:30 and 19:30 to 22:00 (La Rotisserie)

La Corniche 

Serving some of the best steaks in town, this restaurant is popular with locals and tourists. The wine list is extensive. Sunny terrace. Mains from €26.

- Address: By the church, Rue des Leissières, 73150 VAL D’ISERE
- Telephone: +33 4 79 08 16 07
- Website 
- Open Monday to Saturday 10:30-14:25 and 16:30-21:45 (Closed Sunday lunchtime)

Le Lodge 

A family-friendly choice with a traditional Savoyard menu, pizzas and salads served without pretension by charming and attentive staff. Pizzas from €15, mains from €20.

- Address: Rue du Parc des Sports, 73150 VAL D’ISERE
- Telephone: +33 (0)4 79 06 02 01
- Website
- Open every day from 18:30 -22:00

Fondue Factory 

The clue’s in the name: this is the number one address in town for cheese lovers. There’s also a permanent display of vintage ski equipment for post-dinner perusal. Mains from €25.

- Address: 799 Avenue Olympique, 73150 VAL D’ISERE
- Telephone: +33 (0)4 79 08 04 37
- Website
- Instagram
- Open every day from 12:00 to 22:00

La Baraque €€

La Baraque is a funky bar and restaurant with live music every night except Monday. Start with drinks and tapas before moving to the main restaurant for sophisticated fine dining. DJ from 23:00.

- Address: 137 Avenue Olympique, 73150 VAL D’ISERE
- Telephone: +33 (0)4 79 06 18 19
- Website
- Instagram
- Open from 18:00 to 00:00

Our Concierge Team in Val d'Isere would be happy to make lunch or dinner reservations for you, just let us know which of these fabulous eateries you fancy trying.

Wondering what else to do during your holiday in Val d'Isere? Check out our Ultimate A-Z guide to Val d'Isere for inspiration!

We know you will be underwhelmed (sorry) by the pictures that we have chosen to show to represent the chalets, because we have nothing in our current collection to do justice to the grandeur of the bedrooms, the amazing views and the wonderful pools. The plans don’t lie though, and the architects amongst you will recognise that the 30 square metres per guest is 20% larger than anything else we operate in the Alps. (come back in December for up-to-date imagery).

The location offers complete solitude but with easy access to the piste, shops and nightlife Val d’Isere is famous for. Access to the Santons piste is opposite the front door, you can also walk ten minutes across the nursery slopes to the village centre. Alternatively you can make use of our shuttle service morning and evening to Ronds Points, the nearby intersection of resort bus routes, pistes, nursery slopes, ski lifts, ski school meeting points and apres-ski (the infamous Cocorico) which is at the bottom of the hill and a two minute drive away.

No. 7 CLUB Bellevarde sleeps 14-16 guests, No. 8 CLUB Bellevarde sleeps 14-18 guests. In both chalets all the rooms have balconies overlooking the forest and stream with staggering views.

Guests will enjoy our VIP CLUB service with a flexible menu plan offering a choice of dishes provided by the Chef and team of dedicated chalet hosts. Relax with a canapé reception on 6 evenings and free beer plus serviced breakfast & cleaning every day.

If you're tempted to know more why not call Gareth, Jess and Lou today, they're waiting at the end ofthe phone for your questions. We'd love to welcome you in the mountains this winter, in these or any of our 50+ chalets in the Alps.

Summer skiing on the Pisaillas Glacier will be open from 7am to midday until the 11 July. There are six slopes open but 3 are reserved for training of the French Ski Federation and the Clubs. There are strict measures in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and skiers; limited numbers of 600 per day, compulsory mask wearing in the queues and on the ski lift and allocated time slots to promote staggered access.

Val d’Isere have done an excellent job to get the glacier open, and we’re sure 500 people each day will be thanking their lucky stars they’re back on the slopes. After the abrupt end to the 2019/20 season we’re very much looking forward to getting back to the Alps this winter. At the moment resorts are planning to open and operate as normal for the forthcoming winter.

If you're already considering your next ski holiday we'd love to chat with you. Call Jonnie, Katie or Libby today on 0208 875 1957 and book with our flexible £50 pp deposit then review things on 1 September.

credit Photo: © OT Val d’Isère/Chloé Harlé