When your family and friends want to go skiing, but it really isn't your cup of tea, don't panic.
Non-skier things to do in Val d'Isère
Can't ski, won't ski? It's not all downhill you know
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
Off-piste guiding and tuition with English speaking guides
This ski school is a reputable ski school offering highly rated off-piste guiding and clinics.
-
Off-piste and mountain guiding
Off-piste adventures with experienced English-speaking guides
They offer some of the best ski-guiding in Val d'Isère.
-
Guided snowshoe hikes
Half-day and full-day guided snowshoe walks through the mountains
Discover the charm of snowshoeing and venture to parts of the mountains even skiers don't go.
-
Backcountry ski guides
Private ski or snowboard guiding for up to six people - on and off-piste
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.
-
Snowmobiling
30min guided snowmobiling excursion
Passenger or driver, it’s up to you to decide!
-
Wilderness Evening & Fondue Dinner
3hr30 Wilderness Evening with Sledging & Fondue Dinner
An evening adventure in the woods of Les Boisses, Tignes
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. And your après-ski doesn't need to involve the local bar scene, 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.
Bars & Clubs in Val d'Isere
See all Bars & Clubs in Val d'Isere-
La Folie Douce
The most famous mountain clubbing hotspot in the Alps with live music, DJs, dancers and performers
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
Cosy après-ski bar with cocktails, sharing plates, and a warm fireplace atmosphere
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.
-
Chez Jules - Le Coin des Amis Bar
Small friendly bar with a great atmosphere serving delicious Thai food
Chez Jules – Le Coin des Amis is a small but hugely popular bar right in the heart of Val d’Isere, run by Jules himself, a retired competitive skier who now presides over one of the friendliest spots in resort. Known by many as the place to find the best genepy in town, it’s a must-visit if you want to sample this local favourite in the right setting.
-
Doudoune Club
Superstar DJ's and parties all winter open until the early hours
Doudoune Club opened 2008 and has since brought some of the biggest and best club nights to Val d’Isère.
-
La Cave sur La Comptoir
Cosy little wine bar on the road towards Le Crêt with an enclosed terrace complete with fire pit
La Cave sur le Comptoir is a warm and characterful wine bar in Val d’Isere, designed for people who genuinely love good wine and enjoy sharing it in a relaxed setting. Part wine cellar, part bar, and part counter kitchen, it offers an intimate atmosphere that feels welcoming from the moment you step inside.
-
Le Yule Bar
Elegant and relaxed bar with cocktails, cosy seating, and mountain views
Le Yule Bar in Val d’Isere is elegant, welcoming, and comfortable, reflecting the hotel’s style. Open throughout the day, it’s a great spot to enjoy a coffee, a savoury snack, a sweet treat, a glass of wine, or a cocktail, all in a relaxed atmosphere.
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!
Ski School Lessons in Val d'Isere
See all Ski School Lessons in Val d'Isere-
Private ski lessons
British school offering a wide range of private lesson options tailored to all ages and abilities
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.
-
Private ski lessons
Private skiing and snowboarding lessons with highly rated instructors
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.
-
Private ski lessons
Ski and snowboard school offering lessons with qualified British instructors
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
Small groups for adults and children of all abilities with a well-established and trusted ski school
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.
-
Group ski lessons
Group ski and snowboard lessons for children and adults of all ages and abilities
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.
-
Group ski lessons
Ski and snowboard school group lessons with fully qualified British instructors
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.
Book a table up the mountain
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.
-
L'Alpage des Chaudannes Restaurant
Gourmet restaurant and Savoyard cuisine at the top of Chaudannes chairlift
This cosy restaurant is located on the massif de L'Aiguille Percée, between Tignes le Lac and Tignes les Boisses.
-
La Petite Cuisine Restaurant
Canteen-style restaurant in the famous La Folie Douce mountain après-ski hotspot
La Petite Cuisine is La Folie Douce's gourmet-quality, canteen-style restaurant. They serve a perfect mix of high-class local cuisine in a friendly, family atmosphere.
-
Lo Soli Restaurant
Top of Chaudannes chairlift, self service, bar and restaurant serving classic French cuisine
This restaurant situated on the massif de l'Aiguille Percée, between Tignes le Lac and Tignes Les Boisses is open for lunch.
-
La Cucùcina Restaurant
Italian cuisine at the famous La Folie Douce mountain après-ski hotspot
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.
-
Le Butcher Restaurant
Quality, fast and filling food at the famous La Folie Douce mountain après-ski hotspot
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.
-
La Fruitière Restaurant
Contemporary cuisine in a trendy setting at the famous La Folie Douce
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.
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.
-
La Maison de Val
Cultural centre in Val d'Isere
Community space with libraries, cinema, free WiFi and exhibitions about local history.
-
Vanoise National Park
The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region
The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region.
-
Musee Val d’Histoire
Museum of history of the Val d'Isère region
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.
-
Clarins Spa
Relax with a swim in the outdoor heated pool and the Clarins spa and treatments available
Relax in the sauna, pool, hammam and Jacuzzi.
-
Les Barmes de L'Ours - Sisley Spa
Chic, luxurious spa using Sisley products based at the foot of the La Face piste
Measuring 1,000m² Hotel les Barmes de l'Ours has one of the largest spas in the French Alps.
-
Experimental Chalet Spa
A luxury spa right in the centre of town with a divine choice of treatment available
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.
-
Cinq Mondes Spa
Cinq Mondes Spa and relaxation is easily found at this beautiful spot in Club Med Val d'Isère
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.
-
Massage Me
Mobile massage company offering treatments in the comfort of your accommodation
Massage Me work across the French Alps and can offer a whole variety of massages and treatments in your own chalet, apartment or hotel.
-
Ormelune Spa
Soothe your aches and pains away in this chic spa following a challenging day in the mountains
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.
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.
Things To Do in Val d'Isere
See all Things To Do in Val d'Isere-
Rafting In The Alps
Half and full day white water rafting for all abilities from eight years-old
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.
-
Hydrospeeding
Half-day white water swimming/hydrospeeding. This is fast, fun and unforgettable
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.
-
Guided snowshoe hikes
Half-day and full-day guided snowshoe walks through the mountains
Discover the charm of snowshoeing and venture to parts of the mountains even skiers don't go.
-
Heliskiing/boarding
Heliskiing/boarding trip in Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass.
For backcountry adventures, this independent company operates in and around the following three heliski destinations: Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass. They have pioneered 32 drop zones within these three broad valley regions giving you a huge choice of terrain, snow conditions and mountain orientation to ensure you have a day best suited to your ability and preferences.
-
Wilderness Evening & Fondue Dinner
3hr30 Wilderness Evening with Sledging & Fondue Dinner
An evening adventure in the woods of Les Boisses, Tignes
-
Helicopter tours
10, 30 or 60 minute private helicopter tours for up to five people
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
