What's new in Val d'Isere winter 2019/20

New snow groomers will be shaping the pistes this winter. These state-of-the-art machines are fitted with LIDAR radars which help level the snow in a more efficient and precise way, optimising the amount of snow available throughout the season. They'll be stored in a new garage, built at the foot of the Face de Bellevarde.

The lift pass offices in Val Village and Solaise have also been modernised. New large screens will display the latest weather, snow conditions and lift status information while there will be click & collect machines to pick up ski passes bought online.

Free WiFi is now available throughout the resort, both in town and on the pistes. Every bus stop will also have a screen displaying real-life information and waiting times while there will be two digital tourist info pannels in the centre.

Built in 2017, the Val Kids fun area is growing this season with a new igloo, binoculars to watch the mountains and a mini-zipline. Over by the Centre Aquasportif, kids will be able to drive electric mini-snowmobiles. Open from 16:00 to 19:00, when the pistes close, this activity will be available for children aged 5 to 12 years old.

THE apres-ski hot spot on the Val d'Isere slopes, La Folie Douce will be hosting a brand new evening event this winter, the Night Experience. Fine dining, live music and La Folie's signature entertainment will be combined for a party like no other. Throughout the season, from 19:00 to 23:00.

Mountain Rooms & Chalets continue to grow their portfolio to offer an even greater choice of rental properties in Val d’Isere, with four brand new apartments available this year. Balme 442 is the perfect property for a family of four or two couples looking for a central option at a sensible price, starting from £923. Located in a true ski-in/ski-out building, Aquila 202 has two bedrooms and two bathrooms and includes parking with prices starting at £1923. Bringing in the wow factor, Cygnaski Penthouse boasts beautiful vaulted ceilings, light-filled rooms and opulent décor, sleeping up to 11 people and features luxury facilities like a sauna, a separate TV room, a fireplace and parking. Finally, Santons 5 is a three-bedroom ground floor apartment with modern conveniences.

Val d'Isere Agence have two brand new luxury chalets on offer this winter. Les Neiges de l'Illetaz sleeps up to 14 people in its 500m², which include a lift and a steam room. Only 5 minutes from the slopes, it combines easy access to the lifts with an exquisite interior. Recently built, L'Etoile 2 is located in Le Fornet, just 200m from the cable car and boasts breathtaking mountains views. Also great for large groups, it can accommodate up to 12 people and features a spa with indoor pool and steam room.

Val d'Isere-Tignes is the first ski area in the world with a Green Globe certificate for its low-impact lifts. This winter, the snow cannons in Piste OK have been replaced with more efficient snowmaking facilities which are able to produce double the amount of snow with half the volume of water. €1.5 have been invested.

Some local companies have followed the ski area's example, including Cool Bus, whose commitment to the environment is increasing this season. Their 100% electric Teslas will now not only be used for VIP transfers but also for regular services so, when booking a transfer for four people or less, you'll have a chance to ride these eco-friendly beauties. To date, they've racked up over a quarter of a million kilometres thanks to their electric fleet, cutting their CO² emissions by around 65 tonnes, and they're aiming to add at least another 125,000km to that total this winter.

Independent ski and snowboard hire company Tignes Spirit are offering a special seaseon-long let service. Their seasonal packages are very affordable, starting at €100, which means that you won't have to purchase new gear to spend the season in Val d'Isere. They have the latest equipment available for rent, including touring skis, splitboards and cross-country gear, as well as kid's equipment and even outerwear and protective clothing.

Worried about slipping on those icy pavements when walking to the slopes? Fear not, Intersport is now offering GripWalk across their whole rental range. These innovative boot soles offer a non-slip surface as well as a more natural profile for walking (or dancing at La Folie Douce!), and they can be combined with GripWalk bindings for perfect performance on the slopes.

Mobile Alpine massage company Massage Me is offering two brand new therapies this winter. First of all is their 100% bespoke MY Massage service where you’ll be able to select every single step of your wellbeing journey, from the massage style and pressure preference (including Swedish, sports, holistic and even a combination of all of them), to the part of your body that needs more attention, the massage oil and even the music. This winter, they’re also adding Physiotherapy, Pilates and Yoga to their mobile services menu in partnership with Alpine Therapies. Not only that, but they’ve embarked on a green journey to be more eco-friendly, from reducing single plastic use and carbon emissions to assessing the materials they use. So it’s not only your muscles that will feel much better by booking a massage with Massage Me but also the environment.

Huski revolutionised self-catering four winters ago when they launched their meal delivery service. Since then, for a fraction of the price of a catered holiday, you can enjoy delicious breakfast, lunch, three-course dinners, canapes, fine wines and even cheese boards at your apartment or chalet completely hassle-free. Huski delivers everything to your door and the only thing you need to do is pop your food in the oven to heat it up. This year, they’re offering a new, locally made, Savoyard-inspired range of meals called “Gourmet 73” cooked daily by chef Nick Casey at their headquarters in Bourg Saint Maurice. Think creamy tartiflette and moreish Beef Mondeuse! Also new this season is their very own beer, the Huski Mountain Pilsner created in collaboration with the Brasserie du Petit St Bernard.

Right in the centre of town, the new deli shop La Marmite de la Marmotte will be selling local Savoyard delicatessen with a great range of bio produce on offer, as well as ready-made meals to take away. Cooked by the team at Hotel Avancher, these will change daily. Fresh fruit juice, teas, coffees, biscuits and chocolates for breakfast and local cheese, cold meats, wines and bubbles for apero will be available here.

After their success in Chamonix, Verbier, Val Thorens and Tignes, Alpybus are expanding their low-cost transfer services to Val d'Isere. Their private transfer service will take you from Geneva airport to the heart of resort in only 2 hours and 55 minutes. Ski and snowboard gear is transported for free and they have baby and booster seats available,

Whiterides Airport Transfers are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year. A decade of transporting skiers, snowboarders and mountain lovers in general to and from the airport. Set up in November 2009 by Dan Barnett, this company has steadily grown from only one minibus to a fleet of 14 shuttles and 16 members of staff. Operating year-round, Whiterides provides private and shared transfers from Geneva, Lyon, Chambery and Grenoble airport to the main resorts in the Tarentaise Valley, including Val d'Isere. To celebrate their 10 years, they've moved premises to a brand new head office and garage. Congratulations!

This season, it'll also be easier than ever to find Simply Transfers' representatives at Geneva airport. They've set up a brand new meeting desk in the arrival hall, just opposite the baggage-retrieval area and near the visitor's centre. With a rotating wall and screens displaying the Simply Transfers and Loyet logos, it'll be hard to miss! Not only will it be super simple to spot the meeting desk but also their representatives, as they'll be wearing a bright red polo shirt with their logo.

There's a new luxury hotel in town. The Mademoiselle Hotel will open its doors on December 19th offering 41 rooms – including apartments with butler service, a huge 1200m² spa, a kid's playing area featuring an enchanted forest, a ski lounge, several boutiques and four restaurants, as well as a bar and a cigar cave. The Refuge de Solaise opened its doors last season but this year they're introducing new rooms and apartments, as well as a spa with a 25m-long pool, eco-friendly beauty treatments, steam rooms and jacuzzis. Also new this year is La Cantinetta serving pasta and pizza in the heart of the mountains.

Keen to know more? Then take a look at all that's new in Val d'Isere for yourself... book your winter ski holiday now!