Valsnow
Ski and snowboard hire located in the centre of Val d'Isere. Save time and money by booking online and have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive enabling you to hit the slopes straight away!
Wonderful skiing and sunshine all week
Despite the lack of fresh snow there's still good skiing to be had
Well, what can I say? It hasn’t snowed for over two weeks and the sun has been shining non-stop, the snow cover off-piste on the lower part of the mountain is thin, but the past few days have been extraordinarily good.
The mountain for the most part has stabilised nicely since the last snowfall and the 2/5 avalanche rating reflects that, and we’ve been able to ski places that I haven’t skied in years in winter conditions. The snow quality has been excellent and consistent, there is absolutely no one else around, the sun has been shining and it all adds up to wonderful skiing. Wow!
The piste skiing is also fantastic at the moment with beautifully groomed slopes right to the bottom of the resort, both in Val d’Isere and Tignes. The snow texture for the most part is very good for man-made snow but there are a few firm to icy patches about. Beware around snow cannons as they are often surrounded by icy snow and on steeper pistes. Some sectors are still closed and will open either this weekend or the following weekend. It’s all because of cost-cutting and employing fewer people at this stage of the season because it is very quiet and the Espace Killy costs a fortune to run full-tilt on a daily basis.
There are two Men’s World Cup races in Val d'Isere this weekend. First up is a Giant Slalom on Saturday followed by a Slalom race on Sunday. The resort has worked hard with volunteers helping to prepare the Face du Bellevarde and with the sunny weather the conditions should be perfect. [Read our roundup and fact file on ski racing].
Unfortunately there is no snow forecast until at least December 27th, which is still quite some time off. I’ll need to use my imagination to keep finding quality off-piste skiing for my clients but fingers crossed that the forecast is wrong because that would be well over a month of clear blue skies and no snow. Fortunately Val d’Isere and Tignes have world-class snow making systems but still, man-made snow gets firmer and icier the more people ski on it and if it doesn’t snow before the Christmas crowds arrive we’ll be in for some pretty hard pistes.
Anyway, I’m taking one day at a time and the skiing is great at the moment so if you’re here next week you should have a fantastic time. And don’t forget your sun cream!
If you follow my Daily Diary that has a link below, I’m having trouble with my daily photos. Picasa is now redundant and depending on your computer the ‘Photos of the Day’ may be mixed up with Canada, Spain, India, Out of Season Photos and more. They can be quite tricky to find so I apologise for the mess but I’m trying to find a new server to manage my photos. Stay tuned for another update on Monday.
Follow more from Wayne in his Daily Diary.
NB. The areas Wayne has been skiing this week are off piste and not suitable to all skiers. Wayne has 35 years experience in these mountains. If you're considering going off piste you should always take a guide with you.
Ski Hire in Val d'Isere
Ski Hire in Val d'Isere
See all Ski Hire in Val d'Isere-
-
Rond-Point des Pistes
Rond Point des Pistes shop is located after the tunnel, next to the Front de Neige with direct access to the Bellevarde and Solaise ski lifts (where the fun starts!). The free buses from the Chatelard and Legettaz areas stop right outside as does the main La Daille – Le Fornet bus.
-
Eskiador Sport
No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your 1st skiing day.
-
Tourist Office Square
Rent Skis & Snowboards on Val d'Isere Main Street near Tourist Office. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
-
Snowberry Streetside
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Val d'Isere? Just visit the Skiset Snowberry Streetside store!
-
Val Ski Shop
Jean-Marie and Benjamin and team with over 20 years of experience, offer you a warm welcome to their store Val Ski Shop, a large modern ski shop.
Ski Schools in Val d'Isere
Ski School Lessons in Val d'Isere
See all Ski School Lessons in Val d'Isere-
Private ski lessons
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.
-
Group ski lessons
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
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.
-
Private ski lessons
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.
-
Private ski lessons
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.
-
Group ski lessons
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.
Airport Transfers in Val d'Isere
Transfers for Val d'Isere
See all Transfers for Val d'Isere-
Private airport transfers
The Loyal Transfers team has been organising airport transfers to ski resorts around France since 2012. Their aim has always been to make independent travel to ski resorts cheaper and easier for everyone.
-
Shared airport transfers
Booking with them means your holiday won’t involve the stress of public transport, the cost of private transfers, or the hassle of fitting snow chains on a hire car.
-
Shared bus airport transfers
A key booking portal for local coach and bus transfers in the French ski resorts. Using this service to coordinate your travel means getting to resort could not be easier.
-
Private and shared airport transfers
This company offers private and shared transfers from Geneva Airport to Val d'Isere, nearby areas, and resorts across the Alps. With great value fares on all journeys, it’s an easy way to save money.
-
Private and shared airport transfers
This company offers reliable private transfers from Geneva Airport to Val d'Isère. Established and efficient - you can rely on them.
Winter Things To Do in Val d'Isere
Wintersport Things To Do in Val d'Isere
See all Wintersport Things To Do in Val d'Isere-
EMTB on snow
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.
-
Helicopter tours
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
-
Guided snowshoe hikes
Discover the charm of snowshoeing and venture to parts of the mountains even skiers don't go.
-
Heliskiing/boarding
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.
-
Dog Sledding
Sledding tours and adventures in the Tarentaise.
-
Snowmobiling
Passenger or driver, it’s up to you to decide!
