La Fruitiere Restaurant, Val d'Isere - Bellevarde dessert

Non-skier things to do in Val d'Isère

Can't ski, won't ski? It's not all downhill you know

Imprint: By Tracy Wise, Updated 26 July 2026

When your family and friends want to go skiing, but it really isn't your cup of tea, don't panic.

You don't have to be a skier to fall in love with Val d'Isere. Whilst the valley is famous for its world-class slopes, it's also packed with unforgettable experiences for visitors who'd rather keep their feet off the pistes. From soaring cable cars and scenic mountain vistas to snowshoe walks, indulgent spas and cosy cafés with spectacular views, there's plenty to enjoy at every pace. Whether you're travelling with skiers or simply looking for a different kind of alpine escape, here are the best things for non-skiers to do in Val d'Isere.

Hire a guide or go on a tour

You can really get away from it all and disappear into nature on some snowshoes (raquettes). Either under your own steam with a printed guide from the tourist office or book a snowshoe excursion with an activity company to see a side of the mountains that most skiers will never see. Full-day, half-day and night-time options are available to take you into the heart of the mountains – from the highest peaks to the wildest valleys. Equipment and transport are usually included, check when you book.

It may be near the end of the Tarantaise Valley, but Val d’Isère has plenty of walking trails to take you further up the valley. A particular highlight is the glorious Manchet Valley walk - go on a blue sky day around 11:00 so the sun is on the valley for the majority of the walk.

If you've decided the days of skiing up the mountain all-day, every-day, are well behind you, those with previous skiing or snowboarding experience could try ski touring. There are marked ski touring routes across the valley's ski areas, and it's a great way to work up a sweat, earning your burger whilst the rest of the world takes the lifts. Hire a guide and pull on some skins for an adventure far from the madding crowd.

Progression Ski & Snowboard guides

Location
Val d’Isere

This ski school is a reputable ski school offering highly rated off-piste guiding and clinics.
Evolution 2 ski guides

Location
Val d’Isere

Evolution 2 has been instructing and guiding skiers around the Alps since 1987. If you want to experience what Tignes and Val d’Isère really has to offer, join the Evolution 2 team on one of their expeditions.
Off-piste and mountain guiding

Location
Val d’Isere

They offer some of the best ski-guiding in Val d'Isère.
Backcountry ski guides

Location
Bourg-Saint-Maurice

A private ski or snowboard session for all ability levels – on and off-piste. It’s all about fun, improvement and discovering new off piste terrain.
Guided snowshoe hikes

Location
Val d’Isere

Discover the charm of snowshoeing and venture to parts of the mountains even skiers don't go.
EMTB on snow

Location
Val d’Isere

Try something new this winter with a guided e-bike session on snow (from eight years old). Join a sunrise ride above Val d’Isère or hire an electric bike in the afternoon and head off on your own adventure.

Visit some local highlights

Val d'Isere offers a surprising amount of cultural attractions for a small mountain town. If you want to know more about the region head to the Musée Val d'histoire. You can also drop into the local cinema, grab a box of popcorn and catch up on the latest releases - look for VOST or VO (version originale) for English language films.

Vanoise National Park

Location
Champagny-en-Vanoise

The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region.
La Maison de Val

Location
Val d’Isere

Community space with libraries, cinema, free WiFi and exhibitions about local history.
Musee Val d’Histoire

Location
Val d’Isere

Opened in December 2017 and located in the heart of Val d'Isère, the renovated Maison de Val hosts a museum dedicated to the history of the area.

Treat yourself

Or if all of that sounds far too active and you really just want to pamper yourself and read your book, or stare at the view, there are numerous spas and treatment rooms you can enjoy. Many hotels have luxury spas which are open to non-guests, and mobile massage companies will arrange to visit you at your chalet or apartment.

Experimental Chalet Spa

Location
Val d’Isere

This hotel Spa provides a haven of peace in the heart of Val d’Isère. Close to the slopes in the Place de l'Eglise it is the perfect place to stop off at and relax after a hard day on the mountain.
Les Barmes de L'Ours - Sisley Spa

Location
Val d’Isere

Measuring 1,000m² Hotel les Barmes de l'Ours has one of the largest spas in the French Alps.
Clarins Spa

Location
Val d’Isere

Relax in the sauna, pool, hammam and Jacuzzi.
Cinq Mondes Spa

Location
Val d’Isere

Relax at this spa located in the Club Med hotel in Val d'Isère and let the therapist treat and pamper you with exceptional treatments and luxury products.
Ormelune Spa

Location
Val d’Isere

This small spa is based within a hotel just a stone's throw from the pistes in the centre of Val d'Isère. Sticking with the theme of the hotel, the spa is modern and full of colour, from the different spa towels available for guests use to the tiles in the steam room.
Avancher Spa, Val d'Isère - Centre

Location
Val d’Isere

Relax at this spa located in Hotel Avancher in Val d'Isère. Let the therapist or the hairdresser spoil you and pamper you with exceptional treatments and luxury products.

Mountain Restaurants in Val d'Isere

You don't have to ski when you go up the mountain. There are a number of piste-side restaurants that offer some slap up French cuisine with a glass of fine local wine. Many restaurants have well priced lunchtime set menus offering the same cuisine as their main menus, but often with considerable discounts. Some offer wine tasting sessions also.

La Cucùcina Restaurant

Location
Val d’Isere

Located at the top of the Daille bubble, within the celebrated La Folie Douce hotspot, enjoy gourmet Italian cuisine prepared by a renowned chef and his Italian team.
Lo Soli Restaurant

Location
Tignes

This restaurant situated on the massif de l'Aiguille Percée, between Tignes le Lac and Tignes Les Boisses is open for lunch.
La Fruitière Restaurant

Location
Val d’Isere

Located at the top of the Daille bubble, within the celebrated La Folie Douce après-ski and gourmet hotspot, La Fruitière serves delicious modern dishes based on traditional flavours.
L'Alpage des Chaudannes Restaurant

Location
Tignes

This cosy restaurant is located on the massif de L'Aiguille Percée, between Tignes le Lac and Tignes les Boisses.
Le Butcher Restaurant

Location
Val d’Isere

Perfect for a quick bite on the slopes, Le Butcher serves up gourmet-style burgers, sandwiches and sweet treats with speed and flavour. Enjoy your meal on the sunny terrace or take it away if you’re in a rush. Stick around after lunch and you might find yourself caught up in La Folie Douce legendary après-ski party.
Les 3 Caves Restaurant

La Folie Douce Val d'Isère opened a new kind of restaurant: Les 3 Caves. A unique experience with exceptional products worked with flavour and refinement.

Nordic skiing

Still looking for something to occupy your time? There's always cross-country skiing to try. An extremely popular mountain sport, known as 'ski de fond' in France, the best areas are the Manchet Valley, La Daille, near Le Fornet and by the Ouillette lake. Access is free and you can hire equipment and arrange lessons locally, and the views are to die for!

Private ski lessons

Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
Group ski lessons

This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
Private ski lessons

This ski school was set up in Val d'Isère in 2006 and has been hugely successful allowing them to expand into the resorts of Tignes, Les Gets, Morzine and Chamonix.
Group ski lessons

Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
Private ski lessons

This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
Group ski lessons

This ski school was set up in Val d'Isère in 2006 and has been hugely successful allowing them to expand into the resorts of Tignes, Les Gets, Morzine and Chamonix.

Apres-ski with everyone else

You don't have to ski to enjoy "après-ski". Meet up with the rest of your group in a local bar and share stories from your day over a beer. La Folie Douce in Val is legendary. The original alpine party bar is notorious for its table dancing, cabaret shows and live music that can be heard across the mountains. It may be located on the side of the piste, but is easily accessed from the gondola in La Daille. Or head to the local outdoor ice rink for a fun evening set beneath the snow-clad Alps, in the centre of town near all the major hotels in resort. Alternatively, grab a sled and head to the nursery slope on the left of the Savonette lift, sledging access is free.

See our Nightlife Guide

La Folie Douce

Location
Val d’Isere

La Folie Douce in Val d’Isere is a true mountain icon, offering an unforgettable blend of gastronomy, celebration, and art de vivre. From the moment you arrive, the energy is palpable, making it the perfect spot for après-ski lovers looking to extend the fun well into the evening. Whether you’re here for lively music, spectacular performances, or simply to soak up the alpine atmosphere, every visit promises something special.
Le Blizzard Bar

Location
Val d’Isere

Le Blizzard Bar in Val d’Isere is a cosy and welcoming spot where you can relax and unwind after a day on the slopes. Sink into the soft, comfortable sofas, warm yourself by the fireplace, and take your time with a book, a chat with friends, or simply to enjoy the atmosphere.
Avancher Bar

Location
Val d’Isere

Avancher Bar opens its doors to guests and visitors looking to unwind in Val d’Isere, offering a welcoming spot to relax after a day in the mountains. Step inside and you’ll find a cosy, warm atmosphere that’s ideal for easing out of ski boots and settling in for the evening. The main lounge is comfortable and inviting, perfect for quiet conversations and a laid-back drink.
Ormelune Bar

Location
Val d’Isere

Ormelune Bar in Val d’Isere offers a warm and stylish retreat after a day on the slopes, whether you’re staying at the hotel or simply visiting. Just a stone’s throw from the pistes, it’s the perfect spot to pause on your way back to accommodation and enjoy a relaxing après-ski drink by the fireplace.
Le Salon des Fous Restaurant and Bar

Location
Val d’Isere

This restaurant and bar is located in the centre of Val d'Isère on the main street.
Doudoune Club

Location
Val d’Isere

Doudoune Club opened 2008 and has since brought some of the biggest and best club nights to Val d’Isère.

Things to do in Val d'Isere

Whether you prefer a gentle horse-drawn sleigh ride, an exhilarating husky sled adventure or a skidoo excursion, there's something to suit every level of adventure. Horse-drawn sleigh rides depart from the Igloo du Loup, while husky sledding is a popular activity that should be booked in advance. Skidoo tours leave from the base of the Tommeuse chairlift.

For even more thrills, test your skills on the BMW-sponsored ice driving circuit in La Daille or challenge friends on the neighbouring ice karting track. For unforgettable mountain views, take a helicopter tour or tandem paragliding flight from Solaise or the Olympique gondola. To unwind afterwards, head to the Aquasportif, where you'll find swimming pools, a spa, gym and a wide range of indoor sports facilities.

See our Activity Guide

Hydrospeeding

Location
Bourg-Saint-Maurice

This activity is accessible to those comfortable in water, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves.
Rafting In The Alps

Location
Bourg-Saint-Maurice

White water rafting is accessible to all who love the natural environment and who are in search of a bit of adventure. These excursions will leave you with some unforgettable memories.
Guided snowshoe hikes

Location
Val d’Isere

Discover the charm of snowshoeing and venture to parts of the mountains even skiers don't go.
Helicopter tours

Location
Bourg-Saint-Maurice

A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
EMTB on snow

Location
Val d’Isere

Try something new this winter with a guided e-bike session on snow (from eight years old). Join a sunrise ride above Val d’Isère or hire an electric bike in the afternoon and head off on your own adventure.
Dog Sledding

Location
Val d’Isere

Sledding tours and adventures in the Tarentaise.