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.
Wonderful skiing and sunshine all week
Despite the lack of fresh snow there's still good skiing to be had
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.
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
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.
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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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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.
Ski Hire in Val d'Isere
Ski Hire in Val d'Isere
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Hors Limites
Ski & snowboard hire at the Tourist Office and close to the snowfront
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Val d'Isere? Just visit the Skiset Hors Limites store!
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Eskiador 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 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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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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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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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.
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
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
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
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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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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Snowmobiling
30min guided snowmobiling excursion
Passenger or driver, it’s up to you to decide!
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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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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.
