© What are the snow & weather conditions like in Val d'Isere over Christmas?
This month sees the start of the winter season
It may be the last month of the year, but the ski lifts are open and Christmas is on the horizon.
We can expect sports competitions, opening parties, and there will obviously also be lots of festive celebrations including a visit from a certain Papa Noël. As you are no doubt aware, most things in December revolve around the last two weeks of the month, schools break up and travellers from near and far descend on the valley. There are a plethora of events coming up, from parades to special Christmas menus and New Year's blowouts.
Read on for a look at what we like to do in resort throughout December.
Thanks to the high altitude and geography of Val d'Isere you are guaranteed great snow and a white Christmas. It's definitely cold up there with temperatures averaging from -7°C to 0°C, and around eight days of snowfall. Make sure thermals are on your Christmas list.
Christmas and New Year is a popular time for families so the slopes are noticeably busier as soon as the holidays begin. Fortunately, the ski area is so vast, that even in high season you can find quiet slopes and minimal lift queus. Here are our insider's top tips for the school holidays:
If, like a lot of people, you like to follow several hours of exercise with several hours of drinking, especially during the festive season, you can hit up any of a number of local opening parties and après-ski sessions. Down at the bottom of the slopes you'll find bars offering great music, delicious food and happy hours. For late-night entertainment, the clubs hold special nights on most days of the week.
There are, of course, plenty of parties and festive evenings to experience in the run-up to Christmas and New Year. If you’re looking for the perfect entertainment for your group, check out the bars' social media and local listings for updates of tinsel-inspired events.
Always a big night, the town is full of revellers popping Champagne corks. The restaurants will be busy, so it would be best to make a reservation to ensure you can get a table, and many of the bars and clubs are ticket-only, so if there's somewhere you plan to see the New Year in, make sure you've planned ahead.
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 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.
La Cocorico Apres Ski Bar is one of Val d’Isere’s most iconic après-ski destinations, right on the snow front in the heart of the village. It’s a lively, open-air venue where you can dance in your ski boots, a pint in hand, to the biggest rock and pop hits. The energy here is infectious, making it the perfect place to celebrate the end of a day on the slopes.
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.
Alex Bar is a cosmopolitan hotspot in Val d’Isere, popular with both locals and visitors from around the world. Welcoming seasonnaires, tourists, and a mix of French and international guests, it’s a lively yet relaxed place to unwind after a day on the slopes.
La Taverne d’Alsace in Val d’Isere offers a warm and characterful dining experience inspired by the traditions of an Alpine winstub. Located beneath Hôtel Kandahar, this cosy Alsatian brasserie is the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes or exploring the resort, where generous flavours and comforting dishes take centre stage.
Christmas is synonymous with school holidays. As hundreds of children and their families descend on the pistes, Val d'Isere puts on a show for them. There are lots of activities to keep the little ones entertained on and off the mountain.
Sledding tours and adventures in the Tarentaise.
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
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.
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.
Passenger or driver, it’s up to you to decide!
Discover the charm of snowshoeing and venture to parts of the mountains even skiers don't go.
There's lots going on over the festive period in Val d'Isere, aside from the whole ski area opening up and sporting events beginning up the mountain, you'll find festive markets along with a real childlike excitement as the big day draws ever closer. You'll be able to spend time with main man and enjoy numerous festive events.
Keep an eye on our events calendar for what's on and when.
Sledging of the future! Why not try this snake-like sledging where a group of you are linked together in a chain of up to 10 people.
Head to the Savonnette piste after closing for some sledging fun with the kids.
Short informal relay style race in teams of two around the Place des Dolomites in the centre of Val d'Isère.
For every pool entry purchased between 19:30 and 21:15, access to the Wellness area is complimentary.
Get involved in a night ski touring race that is open to all, comprising a 480m ascent through La Daille forest to the Folie Douce.
Try sledging face first down the flood-lit Savonnette slope in the centre of Val d'Isère on these specially designed airboards.
December is a magical time of year to come to Val d'Isère. Book your holiday now and enjoy Christmas in the snowy Alps.
Find out what's happening in Val d'Isère and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and things to do, see and experience in the region. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts, all in the same place.
See allLatest News & ReviewsVal d'Isère hosts a wide range of events throughout the year. There are constant ski racing competitions throughout the winter, as well as the much anticipated La Scara youth event each April. In the summer, the resort plays home to some major trail running events such as the High Trail Vanoise in July, with Tour de France stages often passing nearby in July.
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