Ski holidays in Val d'Isere

Skiing in Val d'Isère

Val d’Isère and the neighbouring resort of Tignes combine to form the Val d'Isere-Tignes ski area, boasting one of the world's most advanced lift systems to whisk you from chalet to summit in record time.

The Val d'Isère-Tignes ski area is the highest extended ski terrain in the Alps and offers the best snow guarantee you can get. Val d’Isère is a very comfortable place to learn to ski with free lifts and nursery slopes in the centre of the village and confidence boosting greens above resort level. It is well known as the ‘promised land’ for intermediates. There is mile upon mile of wide gentle sunny pistes and many challenging red runs for those who want to expand their skiing horizons. More advanced skiers migrate from around the globe to challenge the steep slopes, bumps and endless off-piste. For those with a dislike of T-bars or drag lifts, fear not, virtually all of the lifts are chairlifts, many of which are high speed. Even at the busiest time of the season queuing is hardly ever a cause for concern.

For beginners
There are two nursery slopes in the resort, one in the resort centre and the other in La Daille. These gentle beginner slopes, which are the main meeting point for the ski schools, allow you and your children to progress quickly and safely. There are 2 chairlifts and 3 drag lifts in the resort centre and 2 drag lifts in La Daille which are completely free of charge for beginners.

Snowpark
The French Snowboard Federation has approved the Val d’lsère park, which means that the park on offer is a good one. The snow park has a half pipe, different hips and jumps, 2 quarters facing each other, hand rails, several single or double high and low rails, a boarder cross for all levels, snowboard chalet, a webcam, a repairs corner and a computer to check out the photos of the day. There’s also a recreational area with music, BBQ facilities, chairs and tables. The snow park is situated on the Bellevarde/La Daille sector (2500m).

Off Piste
Few resorts can rival the extent of lift-served off-piste skiing in Val d'Isere. There are some more gentle routes ideal for adventurous intermediates looking to try off-piste for the first time and there's certainly plenty to keep the more experienced skier occupied. Of course, there's the whole of Tignes' extensive off-piste to explore too. It is imperative that you take all the safety precautions you can, shovels, probes and beepers can be purchased or hired. Speak to lift operators prior to going off-piste as they will have a better idea of what is safe and what isn’t. To be extra safe professional guides can be hired who have all the local knowledge to take you to the best spots without sacrificing safety.

Cross Country Skiing
There’s nothing like cross country skiing for getting into shape...Val d’Isère has many different circuits to offer the cross country skier. Over 20km of specialised marked tracks available (many of which are free of charge). Cross country skiing circuits are to be found in the Manchet valley, La Daille, near Le Fornet and at the Ouillette Lake. You will find ‘walking, Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing maps’ at the Tourist Office, alternatively lessons and guided excursions are available from the various ski schools, ask a member of staff for details.

Long rapid climbs to a height of 3500 meters allow extended uninterrupted vertical descents and guaranteed snow. For a quick run down of the resort’s vital statistics and the piste map, have a look at the links above.            

Val d’Isère ski hire

We’ve partnered with our long-standing partners to offer a seamless ski and snowboard rental service in Val d’Isère. In Hameau de Bellevarde, we’ve even built our own on-site rental facility with Oxygène, meaning your equipment is fitted and stored right where you stay. At the end of the week, simply leave everything in your locker — it really couldn’t be easier.

Guests staying in Aspen House, The Farmhouse or Bel Sol are looked after by the excellent team at Killy, just a short walk away in the central square. Pre-book your equipment, collect it from the shop when you arrive, and return it at the end of your stay. The store is well worth a visit too, with an impressive range of ski gear and alpine fashion.

While other online suppliers may advertise tempting discounts, convenience and reliability matter. Our partners guarantee quality equipment, expert fitting and easy swaps if needed, saving you precious time in resort.

And don’t forget to pre-book your equipment before you arrive, as the best kit in resort gets reserved quickly. You can read more about ski hire in Val d'Isere in our blog.

Val d’Isère lift passes

Possibly one of the most important aspects of a ski holiday, the lift pass is vital unless you plan to walk up the mountain before skiing down!

Pre-book your lift pass directly with us before you travel. Your lift passes will be delivered to your chalet before breakfast on the first morning, in plenty of time for you to make it up the first lift. 

Prices shown below are a guide for a 6 day lift pass and may fluctuate at the time of booking due to exchange rates.

Val d’Isère Ski Schools

No matter your experience, the right ski lessons can elevate your holiday—boosting confidence, refining technique, and helping you tackle new slopes with ease.

At VIP SKI, we partner with trusted ski schools across our resorts to make lesson planning effortless. Our Alpine Account Managers and Concierge teams can advise on the best option for your level and take care of bookings in advance, so you can arrive ready to hit the slopes stress-free. Read more in our ski lessons in Val d’Isère blog.