What's on in Val d'Isere for winter 2018/19

The Val d'Isere winter opening is scheduled for November 24th, with all sorts of entertainment planned over the weekend, and the chance to test the latest ski and snowboard kit for the 2019 season. The Ski Force Winter Tour is back for 2018 with a weekend of free ski and snowboard testing, where you can try all the latest models from Armada, Atomic, Black Crows, Blizzard, Dynastar, Elan, Faction, G3, Head, K2, Line, Nordica, Rossignol, Salomon, Scott, Volkl, Zag, and more. Not forgetting about the snowboarders, you will have the opportunity to test gear from Dupraz Snowboard Endeavor, K2, Ride, Rossignol, and Santa Cruz.

And of course, with the resort reopened for the season, so to does the après-ski. Start the season at one of Val d'Isere's hottest apres-ski spot with the La Folie Douce opening party on November 24th. Come and take part in the first of their apres of the season with their signature performers, DJs and musicians. La Petite Cuisine restaurant will also be opening for the season on the 24th, so you can enjoy a leisurely lunch before partying on the terrace. Val d'Isere's favourite nightclub will also be opening for the season. Head to Doudoune on November 23rd and 24th for their official winter opening party weekend, and help them kick off their 11th season in style.

Part of the Audi FIS Ski World Cup, the Criterium de la Premiere Neige takes place in Val d'Isere from December 8th to 16th, and promises to be one of the biggest events of the season with the world's best slalom racers competing on the Oreiller-Killy slope in Val d'Isere. Four days of races that draw huge crowds and attract a real carnival atmosphere. Downhill and Super G slalom races take place throughout the day, while Friday and Saturday evenings turn into a street party with the centre of Val d'Isere closed to traffic.

Val d'Isere certainly gets in the festive spirit over Christmas and New Year's with a whole host of events for young and old. The Christmas Village will be in place for Christmas week in the centre of town with snow sculptures, ice carving, live shows and, of course, the arrival of Santa Clause on Christmas Eve. Along with the usual New Year's Eve celebrations of fireworks and partying into the small house, December 31st will see the first of the winter season's Festi Light displays in Val d'Isere. The main street is closed off while the entire resort is lit up with thousands of different colours. A true spectacle to behold.

The Speed Riding World Meet is an annual gathering of speed riders from all over the world. The 2018 event saw more than 60 participants speed riding, socialising, progressing, testing new gear and exchanging knowledge across 14 days in this French speed riding paradise.

Val d’Isere 2019 will be even bigger, bolder and better. SkiAndFly have partnered up with the best local and international speed riders to host the 2019 Speed Riding World Meet from March 16th to 30th. It’s the first year where a speed riding competition is scheduled for all camp participants. Even if you're not a speed rider, it's sure to be an exciting time to be in resort as they whizz over head.

The Festival du Film Aventure et Decouverte showcases short documentaries featuring at least one of the following themes: adventure, exploration, ethnic encounters, sport or expeditions. Eleven of the best will be shown throughout the week to be judged by a jury of well-known adventurers and by the public. Entry to the films is free and each one is followed by a debate with the film-maker. It is a real shared experience that grows in popularity and diversity year on year. The festival has been running annually since 1996 and goes from strength to strength each year - worth checking out.

For more happening in Val d'Isere throughout the winter season, follow our events calendar here.