Ski holidays in Val d'Isere

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.            

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. If you are staying in Aspen House pre-booked equipment is already in your ski locker when you arrive, any problems with fitting and our Oxygene technician is on hand to assist. 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 Farmhouses 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. 

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 and may fluctuate due to exchange rates.

There are several ski school providers in Val d'Isere, each will offer a variety of tuition options from beginner groups to private lessons and off piste guiding, however, some may specialise in a particular area. 

We have listed a few of our recommended suppliers below, and highlighted those we pre-book on your behalf.

Oxygene ski school +33(0)4 79 41 99 58

We can pre-book lessons on your behalf - please call us on 0208 875 1957

Our childrens ski school Val d'Isere, is run in partnership with award-winning Oxygene who are a highly respected and professionally run ski school, with a refreshingly forward thinking and innovative attitude. Oxygene understand the importance of their role in your holiday and share our own ethos of total satisfaction. We work tirelessly with them to create a relaxed environment for our children to learn or improve, without barrier of language and at times that suit our guests. All the instructors selected for our ski school have been hand-picked for their fluency in English, particular affinity and experience with children and friendly, encouraging manner. Click here to see prices for our childrens ski school.

In addition to our dedicated VIP SKI child lessons, Oxygene provide group ski & snowboard classes for adults and children of all abilities. They also provide Off-piste courses and tailor-made private lessons. All with small group sizes of no more than 6-10 per class.

TDC +33(0)6 15 55 31 56

We can pre-book lessons on your behalf - please call us on 0208 875 1957

TDC in Val d’Isère is a truly British ski coaching centre and ski school. If you want to get more out of your skiing, and you have tried traditional ski schools and ski lessons, then go and see the team at TDC, and they will help you move your skiing to the next level. They offer clinics and private tuition for adults, teenagers and kids. All native English speaking instructors. Small groups ensure the highest standard of personalised coaching.

New Generation +33(0)4 79 01 03 18

We can pre-book lessons on your behalf - please call us on 0208 875 1957

New Generation is a British-run ski school with teams in 16 resorts across the French, Swiss and Austrian Alps, including an international team here in Val d'Isere. With 19 years' experience they'll help you get the most out of your time on the hill, and pride themselves on providing excellent customer service. They offer a wide range of ski and snowboard lessons for all ages and abilities from tiny tots to those young at heart. And whether you're looking to join a group, a private lesson, or an off piste adventure they will help you improve, develop technique and have fun. You are on holiday after all!

Top Ski +33(0)7 82 85 88 89

Skiing and boarding group lessons, on and off piste. Top Ski specialise mainly in off piste ski schools. There is a maximum of 8 people per group and the meeting point is at the big piste map opposite the pool.

Progression Ski +33(0)6 21 93 93 80/ +44(0)208 123 3001

A fully qualified team of British instructors based in Val d’lsere. They offer a full range of class types and levels using progressive and innovative techniques appropriate to modern equipment.

ESF +33(0)4 79 06 02 34

ESF are a local branch of the French Ski School and provide private and group ski & snowboard lessons, for children, teens and adults. ESF are unique in offering Kindergarten ski school for children from the age of 3 years. Lessons are available for beginners or advanced abilities and you will find all their instructors are not only highly competent but extremely friendly to ensure you enjoy your lessons.

Mountain Masters +33(0)4 79 06 05 14

Mountain Masters provide innovative and forward thinking instructors who are all at the top of their respective fields. All have the ability to adapt their knowledge and experience to get the most out of any skier. A lesson or series of lessons with Mountain Masters will give you a skiing awareness and tools for improvement that you can then take away to develop at your own pace. Private lessons in skiing, telemarking and snowboarding and children's group lessons are available, for a morning afternoon or all day. Video analysis is used where possible to help get the most from your performance.

Evolution 2 +33(0)7 60 82 10 12

Evolution 2 offer a personal approach to learning and offer small groups and English speaking instructors. Their emphasis is on real progression and FUN. They offer group and private ski & snowboard lessons, for all ages and abilities.

BASS (British Alpine Ski School) +33(0)6 19 77 85 57

Bass supply BASI trained, English speaking instructors, with small group sizes to ensure personal and thorough instruction service. They have an effective lesson program that caters for absolute beginners to advanced, and are committed to helping their customers advance quickly, safely and enjoyably. Group and private ski lessons for adults and children.

Supreme Ski +33(0)4 79 08 27 87 (UK: 0203 744 1655)

Supreme ski offer a wide range of lessons in Val d'Isere. Choose from private or group lessons including a special "minis" group for kids aged 4+. Supreme also offer skills sessions for more experienced skiers looking to improve on their skills and explore the mountain with confidence.