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.

A free bus service from Le Fornet to La Daille operates like clockwork throughout the skiing hours (8am - 6pm) and then less regularly into the night. 

 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

It doesn’t get any easier
We have partnered with our old friends Oxygene to provide the ultimate ‘at home’ ski & board rental service In Val d’Isère. In Hameau de Bellevarde we have built our own rental facility in partnership with Oxygene, and so equipment and service is available at your door. At the end of your stay just leave your equipment in the locker. Can’t get easier than that.

Staying in the Aspen House, Farmhouse or Grand Choucas? We thought it was easier for our friends at Killy in the central square to look after you as the wonderful shop is nearby and our guests have always been so delighted with the service. Pre-booked hire is collected from the shop and dropped back at the end of your stay, but it is only just down the road, and the magnificent aisles of cutting edge ski fashion and accessories are a tourist attraction in themselves.

Be careful of other suppliers offering great discounts online
We guarantee the quality of the equipment waiting for you in your locker and our rental facility when you arrive and we have wrestled the price down to be extremely competitive. Others online might promise cheaper equipment but at what price ? is it available when you arrive? how far away is the shop and how do you get there ? how easy is it to change ? what happens when it breaks ? Your time in resort is precious, don’t waste it sorting out your equipment.

 Don’t forget to pre-book
It is ever so important that you book your equipment before you arrive as there is only so much quality kit in a resort to go round. Don’t worry that it might not fit perfectly or that you might need to change, our supplier technicians are available when you arrive and during the week. You can book equipment on my VIP SKI shortly after you have made an accommodation booking, here are the guide prices. Alternatively drop us an email or call us for further guidance. 

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.