Guide 2 Val d'Isere

Skiing for Every Ability

Skiing for Every Ability

Well where do we start telling you all about the skiing here in Val d'Isère and neighbouring Tignes? After 35 years here we think we've been on every lift and skied every run in the whole area… but we're not 100% sure!

It's also one of the best, for a whole variety of reasons.

First off, at 1,850 metres (that's just over 6,000 feet) above sea level, Val d'Isère is one of the highest ski resorts in France. But just as important as the height of the village itself is the fact that virtually all of our skiing is above village level, meaning we still have amazing conditions right through the winter and well into late April and even May, when many other resorts already have the sheep out on their nursery slopes.

Then there's our little secret – the retour d'est. This is a unique weather pattern where warm, moisture-laden air is swept up from the Gulf of Genoa on the Italian coast. When it hits the mountains it can dump enormous amounts of snow on Val d'Isère, sometimes leaving Le Fornet buried under fresh powder while there's noticeably less snow even in the main village just a few kilometres away.

And then, just for belt and braces, we also have one of the most extensive snowmaking systems in Europe, with almost 1,000 snow cannons covering a large part of the ski area, including the main routes back to the villages and the key beginner slopes.

All of this makes Val d'Isère an exceptional place to ski, whatever your age, ability or the type of skiing you enjoy. The following articles will help you discover the parts of the mountain that are likely to suit you best.

01. Beginners’ skiing in Val d’Isere

If you've heard that Val d'Isère is just for good skiers - forget it!

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02. Intermediate skiing in Val d’isère

Imagine setting off in the morning and skiing all day without taking your skis off once.

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03. Advanced skiing in Val d’Isere

If you're an advanced or expert skier, the possibilities in Val d'Isère are almost endless. You'll never get bored and you'll probably never be able to say you've skied every single run in Val d'Isère either. (We're not totally sure, but we don't think we have.)

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04. Val d’Isère for children

Val d'Isère is a fantastic place for children to learn to ski.

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05. Off-piste skiing in Val d’isère

If there's one lift you absolutely have to take while you're in Tignes, it's the Grande Motte cable car.

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Early / Late Season Opening Hours

PLEASE NOTE: the above opening hours apply 12th Dec - 11th April. If you require information on early or late season opening hours please contact us.