Skiing in Val d'Isere

With its high-altitude slopes, reliable snow and access to the vast Tignes–Val d’Isère ski area, this resort offers something for every ability skier and snowboarder. Beginners can take things at their own pace in well-designed learner zones while confident riders can enjoy long descents, varied terrain and challenging off-piste routes. There’s also a snowpark for freestyle fans and plenty of wide pistes for cruisy carving. Whether you're just starting out or looking to push your limits, Val d’Isère has plenty to explore on skis or a board.

Modern winter biathlon is a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting that tests not only fitness but also patience and control. In Val d'Isere you can try your hand at this Olympic sport. If you like cross-country skiing but want to add another challenge, then biathlon is the perfect way to escape into the natural, quiet surrounding mountains and then shoot stuff. Bit of a contradiction this one, but it's fun all the same.

Val d'Isere has a number of different loops for you to take to and enjoy the wild nature and magnificent views of the Vanoise. Access is via the free bus, Solaise express chairlift or cable car, and you can choose from yellow, blue or red runs.

Enjoying the thrill of being on the pistes need not escape you if you're less mobile or have special physical needs. Resorts all over the Alps offer equipment and fully qualified guides to help you get the most out of your experience. 

Sit-ski, taxi ski, Vertiski, Handiski... whichever method you're used to, or would like to try there will be at least one ski school or activity company in Val d'Isere that offers this service.

Heliskiing is not permitted in France but there are a couple of companies in Val d'Isere offering panoramic helicopter rides that include heliskiing. They pick you up in resort and take you over the border into Italy or Switzerland from where you will ski down accompanied by a mountain guide. It is expensive, but definitely a once in a lifetime experience!

Whether it's going up the pistes that most people normally ski down or tackling a backcountry route, ski touring and split boarding allow you to get off the beaten path while working a sweat up the slopes. A number of ski schools, private instructors and companies can show you around or, if you've got all the necessary knowledge, you can head out in your own group. 

Val d’Isère’s snowpark is tucked into the Bellevarde bowl just below the Mont Blanc chairlift, with its own drag lift for easy access. It’s divided into colour-coded zones to suit all levels, from beginner to expert, with around 25 features to try out. You’ll find rails, boxes, barrels and kickers that are regularly reshaped for events and training. There’s also a small family-friendly boardercross near the Borsat Express.

Télémarking is a form of downhill skiing where you are only attached to the binding at the toe so, to turn, you have to lunge and bring your heel upwards. Talk to one of the ski schools or private instructors who can teach you how to telemark and take you out on excursions using this technique.

If this whets your appetite for more ski talk, check out our recommendations of the best pistes in Val d'Isere. Take a look at this year's ski pass prices or, if you're not sure which pass to buy.