skiing val d'isere france

Skiing in Val d'Isere, France

The Val d'Isere skiing area is without doubt one of the top ski resorts in the world. Linked with neighbouring Tignes, Val d'Isere boasts over 300 kilometres of pistes, vast areas of “off piste” and skiing as high as 3,300 metres.

It is an area that attracts superlatives, most of them justified. But don't be misled into thinking that the Val d'Isere skiing is just for experts. There are an enormous number of cruising runs, and for novice skiers the nursery slopes in the centre of the village are free. Skiing begins in November and continues until May. In recent years, some of the best snow of the season has been available before Christmas and after Easter.

Unlike many other French ski resorts, Val d'Isere is a proper town, not just a purpose built ski complex. As a result, it has a bustling and lively atmosphere centred on the wide main street that runs the length of the town. Recent buildings have certainly enhanced the appearance of this central area, using stone and wood in traditional Savoyarde style.

Good news for this season the wonderful but old "up and over" chair lift that links the Solaise ski area with Le Fornet, will be replaced by a fast 6 person chair lift. This will speed up access to the lovely cruising runs of the Glacier de Pissaillas.

Last season's opening of the high speed, 24 person bubble lift as a replacement for the old Bellevarde cable car has proved a great success. It has vastly improved the uplift out of the town, especially early morning and has also provided, those that do not wish to ski down, a way to return directly back to Val d'Isere at the end of the day.

Another set of new lifts that were opened last season were the 2, high speed, 8 man Tommeuse chairlifts, linking Val d'Isere with Tignes. They have proved very popular as they are very much faster than the old versions they replaced. The moving carpet at the bottom has also impressed!

Skiing Holidays in Val d'Isere, Courchevel and La Plagne.