After the snowfall we had last Saturday the Espace Killy has experienced some great conditions throughout the entire area. Although the predicted heavy snowfall never actually arrived we had enough snow at the beginning of the week and a further top up in Le Fornet to create some fantastic conditions for the whole week.
Val d'Isere Backcountry Snow Report: 24th January 2015
Great Off -Piste Throughout the Espace Killy Over the Past Seven Days
At the beginning of the week a group of friends and I decided to ski the White Hare in Le Fornet which spits you out in the village of Le Fornet itself. This was in fact a pretty poor decision as the snow cover was very thin in this area through the trees and I unfortunately managed to gouge a huge chunk out of my skis on some hidden rocks. After a quick regroup and breakfast stop we decided to head over to Tignes and managed to find some excellent lines lookers left of the Aiguille Perce.
On Tuesday we decided to explore the Cugnai bowl and were surprised to find some absolutely fantastic snow. Traversing as far as possible under the large cliff we found some fresh lines that were a real pleasure to ski. We ended up doing a few laps as it is pretty rare to find untracked snow in this area!
During the week as many of you will know from my last report we were expected to receive a significant snowfall in the area. Unfortunately the weather system never really seemed to hit the main Espace Killy area. However mid week whilst Val d’Isere and Tinges was receiving a dusting of light snow, Le Fornet and further afield was received close to forty centimetres of fresh snow. This therefore made for some excellent skiing for the latter part of the week.
On Saturday I skied with Alpine Experience, Andreas opted for the Col Pers route, accessed from the top of the Pissales Glacier. After a fairly long traverse and a thirty minute climb we were treated with 40cm of Val d’Iseres finest champagne powder! Each of us in the group made our own tracks in what I would consider some of the best snow I have skied so far this season. It is a fairly mellow route initially which then leads into the lower half of Col Pers which was steeper but much more skied out that the initial descent, even so the snow conditions were still quite agreeable. We then hooked onto the Col d’Iseran and made our way back to Le Fornet Village.
All in all it has been a great week for exploring more of the Espace Killy area and ticking off some routes that I have never skied before. Once again this week we are predicted heavy snowfalls. Several snow forecasting websites have predicted snowfall for the latter part of the week. This is obviously a few days away but things are certainly looking hopeful. If the snow does arrive the avalanche rating will certainly increase and in certain areas we are still experiencing a very weak base layer, which with the additional snowfall will become particularly dangerous. I cannot recommend hiring one of Val d'Isere's many professional guides strongly enough. Not only will you find some incredible snow but you will do so in a much safer way than on your own.
Get out in the backcountry and enjoy some of Espace Killys’ many off piste options this week!
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NB: Off piste skiing and mountaineering are dangerous. The opinions expressed in these articles are very much time and condition specific and the content is not intended in any way to be a substitute for hiring a mountain guide, undergoing professional mountaineering training and/or the individual's own back country decision making.
Airport Transfers in Val d'Isere
Transfers for Val d'Isere
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Shared Airport Transfers
Low-cost and professional shuttle bus transfer service to Val d'Isère
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.
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Private Airport Transfers
Geneva Airport to Val d'Isere from €524 per minivan one-way (weekend rate)
With over 5,000 rides completed and 95% of clients returning, this private transfer service is designed around the needs of skiers, from reliable airport pick-ups to comfortable journeys to your accommodation. Experienced, professional English-speaking drivers, vehicles prepared for Alpine winter conditions and no extra luggage fees for skis or snowboards help make travelling easier. With airport meet and greet, door-to-door transfers, secure online booking and a focus on punctuality, you can organise your Val d'Isere transfer with greater peace of mind.
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Scheduled/Shuttle Coach Airport Transfers
Geneva to Val d’Isère from CHF 52.50 per person one-way (weekend rate)
Enjoy daily scheduled departures, onboard toilets, convenient resort stops and ski luggage included at no extra cost. With experienced alpine drivers and dedicated airport assistance, these transfers offer a comfortable and affordable way to reach Val d’Isère.
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Scheduled/Shuttle Coach Airport Transfers
Geneva to Val d’Isère from CHF 52.50 per person one-way (weekend rate)
Save money with convenient scheduled coach transfers, regular winter departures and practical resort drop-off points. Travel from Geneva or Lyon Airport to Val d’Isère with experienced alpine drivers, helpful airport representatives and ski equipment included.
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Private Airport Transfers
Established and efficient private transfer service to and from Geneva Airport
Comfortable private airport transfer service connecting Val d'Isere with Geneva Airport, with a choice of standard and premium vehicles.
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Private Airport Transfers
Geneva Airport to Val d'Isère from €349 per vehicle one-way (weekend rate)
Travel from Geneva Airport to Val d'Isère with an experienced Alpine transfer service operating since 2012. Enjoy a private, door-to-door journey with professional drivers who know the mountain roads and flight monitoring to help manage delays. Choose between standard and VIP minibuses, with complimentary child seats available for families. Free onboard Wi-Fi makes the journey more comfortable, while automated pick-up reminders help take the stress out of your return transfer.
Ski Hire in Val d'Isere
Ski Hire in Val d'Isere
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La Daille
Snowboard & ski hire shop in the Daille Soleil building
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Val d'Isere? Just visit the Skiset La Daille store!
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Boraso Sport (Magasin Relais)
One stop shop for all your ski and snowboard equipment hire in Val d'Isere
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 first skiing day.
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Front de Neige
Ski hire perfectly located right next to the snow front & lifts for easy access
Ski & Snowboard Hire located at the bottom of the slopes, you can leave the shop with your skis on. 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!
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Rond-Point des Pistes
Save 10% extra: use promo code STWSKI when booking ski hire online
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.
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Killy Pro Shop Avenue Lodge
Rental shop located close to Tourist Office and the Chalets du Solaise
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Val d'Isere? Just visit the Skiset Pro Shop Killy Hotel Avenue Lodge store!
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Val Ski Shop
Rental skis and equipment within the commercial centre of la Daille
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
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Private ski lessons
British school offering a wide range of private lesson options tailored to all ages and abilities
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.
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Private ski lessons
Private skiing and snowboarding lessons with highly rated instructors
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.
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Group ski lessons
Ski and snowboard school group lessons with fully qualified British instructors
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.
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Group ski lessons
Small groups for adults and children of all abilities with a well-established and trusted ski school
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.
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Group ski lessons
Group ski and snowboard lessons for children and adults of all ages and abilities
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.
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Private ski lessons
Ski and snowboard school offering lessons with qualified British instructors
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.
Winter Things To Do in Val d'Isere
Wintersport Things To Do in Val d'Isere
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Dog Sledding
20-min dog-sledding tours around the Tarentaise mountains
Sledding tours and adventures in the Tarentaise.
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Heliskiing/boarding
Heliskiing/boarding trip in Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass.
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.
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Helicopter tours
10, 30 or 60 minute private helicopter tours for up to five people
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
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Guided snowshoe hikes
Half-day and full-day guided snowshoe walks through the mountains
Discover the charm of snowshoeing and venture to parts of the mountains even skiers don't go.
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Snowmobiling
30min guided snowmobiling excursion
Passenger or driver, it’s up to you to decide!
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Ski Guides
Independent ski guides specialising in off-piste with English speaking instructors
This school was formed in 2012 by a small group of experienced and dedicated ski guides who wanted to re-kindle the 'club' atmosphere of teaching snowsports.
