I haven’t seen a cloud in two weeks and although we could use some snow this non-stop brilliant sunshine is not too hard to take.
Incredibly good skiing all the way to Tignes & back
Some fantastic snow on great terrain this weekend
Holiday-makers are loving it and the piste skiing is as good as it gets on man-made snow and the pistes at altitude are brilliant with natural cold winter snow. I skied the piste down into Tignes on Sunday morning and was pleasantly surprised at how incredibly good the piste was all the way to the bottom.
The off-piste is pretty limited but I must say I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this past week, skiing some fantastic snow on great terrain and with total solitude. We are all looking forward to some snow but conditions at the moment are pretty jolly good! I've managed to ski without too much 'skinning' but we'll need to start looking further afield this coming week.
The men had a World Cup Giant Slalom on Saturday and the race was won by Alexis Pinturault, a Frenchman from Courchevel, which of course sent the partisan crowd wild with flags waving and cowbells ringing. The first Canadian was Erick Read from the Banff Racing Club and Erick turns out to be the son of Ken Read, who was one of the best downhillers in the world in his day. Ken grew up in Calgary and won the downhill in Val d’Isere in 1975, and came second in 1980 and 1983. Ken was a member of the famous 'Crazy Canucks', when all four of the team members had a chance of winning. Being a Canadian from Calgary myself I followed Ken's career quite closely and like to fly my flag when I get the chance, Oh Canada! Sunday's slalom race was won by Henrick Kristoffersen from Norway and both races were well attended and a huge success as a sporting event with a massive benefit publicity-wise for Val d'Isere. I'm sure next weekend's Ladies World Cup Races will be just as successful.
If you like rocking blues Radio Val is absolutely superb in the evenings from 8:30 or so on. Seriously good blues, varied, and guaranteed to get your foot tapping and your body swaying. If you like rocking blues check it out!
Unfortunately there still is no snow in the forecast and we could be in for another couple of weeks of sunshine. It's cold enough to run the snow cannons so the pistes will be in great shape as the resort is working incredible hard to make and groom the snow.
If you're here this week have a fantastic holiday and log-on again on Friday for more news and photos.
Follow more from Wayne in his Daily Diary.
NB. The areas Wayne has been skiing in this report 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.
Airport Transfers in Val d'Isere
Transfers for Val d'Isere
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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.
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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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Shared Airport Transfers
Geneva to Val d’Isère from CHF 82.50 per person one-way (weekend rate)
Travel directly to your accommodation with a convenient minivan connection, scheduled departures and ski luggage included at no extra cost. With experienced alpine drivers and additional assistance at Geneva Airport, this service combines shared travel with the convenience of a final door-to-door transfer.
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Scheduled/Shuttle Coach Airport Transfers
Quick and secure way to organise transfers from local airports and stations
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.
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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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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.
Ski Hire in Val d'Isere
Ski Hire in Val d'Isere
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Val Spirit Delivery
Free delivery, fitting and collection service by British ski & snowboard rental shop
This is the only independent, British-owned ski and snowboard shop in the Espace Killy ski area which also offers a delivery service to Val d'Isere.
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Iseran Sport
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 1st skiing day.
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Killy Sport
Ski & snowboard hire on Place Moufilier in the resort centre and close to lifts
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Val d'Isere? Just visit the Skiset Killy Sport store!
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La Poudreuse
Save 10% extra: use promo code STWSKI when booking ski hire online
This ski and snowboard rental shop offers one of the largest selection of top of the range equipment in Val d'Isère.
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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.
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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!
Ski Schools in Val d'Isere
Ski School Lessons in Val d'Isere
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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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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
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.
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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
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.
Winter Things To Do in Val d'Isere
Wintersport Things To Do in Val d'Isere
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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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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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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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Heli-Skiing
High mountain guides, ice climbing, mountaineering and heli skiing
Alpamayo are a group of high mountain guides based in Chamonix all year round as well as in Val d'Isere and Tignes in the winter.
