First Tracks Val d'Isère opening weekend
Val d'Isère's slopes open this weekend with entertainments and the chance to test the latest ski and snowboard kit for the season.

© Val d'Isere

© Val d'Isere

© Val d'Isere
The beautiful village centre with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains
Val d'Isère centre is an array of lovely shops, restaurants, chalets, hotels and apartments. This bustling village centre is nestled into the valley, complete with classic chalet-style hotels and buildings constructed with stone and wood giving the centre a traditional and warm feel.
The centre is where the heart of the resort lies and it's easy to see why it remains a popular destination for many.
A beautiful village with lots to do, Val d'Isère stands at an altitude of 1,850m, making it one of the highest resorts in Europe. The bustling centre is filled with bars, restaurants and shops and has a wonderfully traditional feel to it.
The centre of Val d’Isère is the place to be if you want to stay right at the heart of the action. It offers easy access to ski schools, shopping and, of course, the town’s legendary bars and nightclubs.
When it comes to accommodation, a lot of what is on offer is ski-in and ski-out. There really is something for everyone here, ranging from luxury five-star hotels to family-friendly chalets and self-catering apartments.
Le Laisinant sits just beyond Val d’Isère and offers modern ski-to-the-door accommodation with easy access to the slopes. While the hamlet has few local amenities, it is well connected to the town centre by ski buses and is ideal if you are looking for a relaxed, convenient base close to the pistes.
| Location | Km from Val d'Isère | Best for |
| Val d'Isere centre | - | Being at the centre of everything |
| Le Crêt | 1 | Charming, traditional village |
| La Daille | 1.8 | Good value for money |
| Le Joseray | 1.2 | Hamlet, ski-in ski-out |
| La Legettaz | 1.2 | Hamlet, ski-in ski-out |
| Le Chatelard | 1.2 | Hamlet, ski-in ski-out |
| Le Laisinant | 1.2 | Modern and quaint |
| Le Fornet | 2.5 | Off-piste haven |
Val d'Isère plays host to a number of winter and summer events, notably the Frostgun freestyle skiing competition and occasionally the Tour de France.
Val d'Isère's slopes open this weekend with entertainments and the chance to test the latest ski and snowboard kit for the season.
For every pool entry purchased between 19:30 and 21:15, access to the Wellness area is complimentary.
One of the biggest events of the season with the world's best men's and women's slalom racers competing on the Face de Bellevarde and OK (Oreiller Killy) slopes in Val d'Isère.
Celebrate Christmas in Val d'Isère at the magical Christmas village, a winter wonderland in the centre of resort.
Sledging of the future! Why not try this snake-like sledging where a group of you are linked together in a chain of up to 10 people.
Keep your kids entertained during the school holidays after the lifts have closed with a videogames tournament at the Mediathèque.
In the centre of Val d'Isère there is culture and history on display. Unlike the hamlets which have developed and grown with the popularity of the resort and are relatively modern, the centre and the old town has been around for many years.
Notably the church is one of the oldest buildings in Val d'Isère, built in 1664 and named after Saint Bernard of Menthon, the patron saint of mountain dwellers. One of the few churches that wasn't destroyed by the French revolutionaries, it still stands today in the heart of the ‘old town’ as a testament to years gone-by, regarded by many as a symbol of the strength and soul of the village.
For a little bit of culture you can head to the Jane Griffiths art gallery where you can browse her work and even purchase a piece.
Community space with libraries, cinema, free WiFi and exhibitions about local history.
Opened in December 2017 and located in the heart of Val d'Isère, the renovated Maison de Val hosts a museum dedicated to the history of the area.
With an eclectic mix of restaurants to choose from in the centre there will be something to suit everyone's taste buds. Local French restaurants can be found dotted around the high street along with sushi restaurants, Italian restaurants and the more traditional Savoyard restaurants.
La Petite Cuisine is La Folie Douce's gourmet-quality, canteen-style restaurant. They serve a perfect mix of high-class local cuisine in a friendly, family atmosphere.
Located at the top of the Daille bubble, within the celebrated La Folie Douce après-ski and gourmet hotspot, La Fruitière serves delicious modern dishes based on traditional flavours.
Located at the top of the Daille bubble, within the celebrated La Folie Douce hotspot, enjoy gourmet Italian cuisine prepared by a renowned chef and his Italian team.
This restaurant has been feeding hungry skiers in Val d'Isère since 1936. They serve organic, local produce and have their own patisserie master.
Restaurant serving an international menu that includes burgers, including a veggie burger if a meaty feast is not what you're after. Le Garage is open every day from lunch until late, be sure to enjoy the craft beers on offer and the extensive wine list.
Although Val d'Isère has many fine restaurants, you will be spoilt for choice at La Table de l'Ours.
There is a bustling nightlife scene in Val d'Isère, from lively bars and lounges at après-ski to nightclubs where you can dance until daylight. Whether you're looking for a more refined place to drink or a dancing on tables kind of bar, there is literally something for everyone here!
This celebrated après-ski haunt is situated at the top of the Daille cable car. Known around the world for its top-notch entertainment and wild parties, La Folie Douce is the place to party on the piste in Val d'Isere.
This bar in Val d'Isere is run by Jules, a retired competitive skier who is now the patron of this small popular bar. It is renowned for having the best genepy in town - so this is the place to come to get your fix.
This restaurant and bar is located in the centre of Val d'Isère on the main street.
Le Petit Danois is one of Val's most reputed drinking establishments, interestingly providing both the illness and the medicine.
Legendary après sessions at Cocorico are not to be missed! Join the crowds at their outdoor terrace with bar, stage and huge sound system keeping the party going 'till late.
Everyone enjoys the lively atmosphere and good music at Victor’s, not to mention the famous cocktails and daily 2-4-1 Happy Hours!
In the winter, the centre of Val d'Isère is a buzzing and vibrant place to be. Boutique, designer and sports shops line the high street, restaurants and bars welcome guests from the cold outside and intricate ice sculptures can often be seen dotted around the pavements. With the regular bus services to and from the Rond Point giving access to both the Solaise and Bellevarde ski area, to La Daille and to Le Fornet you can hop on the bus and be at a ski area within minutes.
The summer welcomes beautiful sunshine, green trees and plenty to do. Mountain biking is a popular activity in the summer with lift access from Val to Tignes allowing you access to the various trails and routes the mountain has to offer. There are also several walking and hiking routes that you can do giving you the freedom to explore the mountains and their breathtaking scenery. Plenty of summer activities are perfect for families and groups; you can even jump in the car and drive over to Tignes to indulge in a spot of summer skiing on the glacier.
The centre of Val is much quieter in the summer but it still has a lot to offer. The sports centre is open all year round so there is access to the swimming pool and gym, as well as some of the sports shops and restaurants on the high street opening their doors.
See the village and mountains from a different perspective and fly with the eagles.
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.
Sledding tours and adventures in the Tarentaise.
Discover the charm of snowshoeing and venture to parts of the mountains even skiers don't go.
An evening adventure in the woods of Les Boisses, Tignes
Enjoy some treetop adventures as you safely swing from tree to tree.
The cols here are all world famous, thanks to the rather well known road race, the Tour de France.
The cols here are all world famous, thanks to the rather well known road race, the Tour de France.
You can expect spectacular views, smooth roads and steady hills
A short and scenic walk through the Manchet valley
Climbing high above the Gorges de la Daille this trail is not recommended for those that suffer from vertigo.
A short family friendly walk along the banks of the Isère.
Walk around the rugged alpine peak.
Escape into the realm of ibex, chamois and marmots where the peace and tranquility will leave you wanting to stay the night at the nearby refuge.
White water rafting is accessible to all who love the natural environment and who are in search of a bit of adventure. These excursions will leave you with some unforgettable memories.
This activity is accessible to those comfortable in water, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves.
This company offers a whole host of watersports activities in and around the local area.
There are a wide variety of chalets to choose from, available year-round and catering for every need and want.
Luxury catered chalet with piste-side access and a dedicated team in the heart of Val d’Isère.
Cosy catered chalet with sauna, hot tub and flexible sleeping options just 40 metres from the piste in Val d’Isère.
Chalet la Grande Sassiere is located in the “Le Cret” area of the resort, on a quiet private road which commands stunning views of this beautiful valley. The village itself is quintessentially Savoyard, with charming stone and timber chalets and a gorgeous town centre.
Independent and historical chalet with rustic charm right in the heart of the old village and at a few steps from the slopes.
Perched at 1930m in the tranquil Le Fornet area of Val d’Isère, the luxuriously appointed and beautifully decorated Arolay Penthouse offers a unique alpine experience as one of the highest duplex penthouses in the French Alps.
This chalet apartment is situated just a stone's throw from the Bellevarde Express giving you easy access to the whole of the Espace Killy ski area. It is perfect for those that want to catch the first lifts and take the last runs home at the end of the day.
There are hundreds of apartments and chalet-style apartments to choose from catering for every group size.
This apartment is in one of the best location in Val d'Isere as the shops, bars and restaurants are just around the corner and the slopes are 30 seconds walk from your front door. Noise is not an issue as the apartment is on the backside of the residence.
Stylish and spacious chalet with spa, easy slope access and peaceful location close to the centre.
A rustic 125m2 independent chalet with authentic charm, sleeping 8 people.
Located at the entrance to the resort, in the La Daille district, facing the slopes, the residence enjoys an exceptional sun exposure and offers an uninterrupted view over the valley and its traditional village. Between 5m and 100m from shops and restaurants and 1 km from the centre of Val d'Isère.
Three-bedroom apartment with balcony and fireplace, ideal for six guests.
Cosy catered chalet with sauna, hot tub and flexible sleeping options just 40 metres from the piste in Val d’Isère.
Val d'Isère centre has a number of excellent luxury hotels that are located in the heart of this buzzing resort. Ranging from the traditional and warm to the more modern/boutique style hotels with opulent designs and luxurious interiors. There are plenty of hotels that also have a spa where you can relax and indulge after a hard day in the mountains.
Located at the entrance to the resort, in the La Daille district, facing the slopes, the residence enjoys an exceptional sun exposure and offers an uninterrupted view over the valley and its traditional village. Between 5m and 100m from shops and restaurants and 1 km from the centre of Val d'Isère.
Located on the edge of the resort facing the slopes, the Residence Les Balcons de Bellevarde, with façades of local wood and stone enjoys maximum sun exposure. Entirely refurbished, the apartments are comfortable and welcoming. Balconies offer uninterrupted views over the slopes or the Val d'Isère valley. The Funival railway is 200m away and shops and services 100m.
Located in the heart of Val d'Isere, this boutique hotel has the perfect blend of luxury and simplicity.
This 5-star hotel and spa enjoys a great position at the heart of the village and on the snowfront, only a few metres from the Solaise shops and ski lifts and the famous Bellevarde Olympic slope.
This fabulous hotel offers stylish contemporary accommodation for the discerning traveller just 200 metres from the slopes and in the heart of resort close to all the shops, restaurants and bars.
This chalet-hotel is named after the Scandinavian goddess of ski and mountains, and offers a choice of apartments sleeping from 4 to 10 people.
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.
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.
This company offers reliable private transfers from Geneva Airport to Val d'Isère. Established and efficient - you can rely on them.
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.
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.
An exceptional apartment in a coveted location directly on the snow front.
Chalet with indoor swimming pool, hammam and sauna as well as separate mazot and outdoor Jacuzzi.
Located in a small and exclusive residence, this beautiful modern 133.06 sqm apartment offers a perfect blend of luxury and comfort in the heart of Val d’Isère.
A three bedroom apartment and studio with stunning views up the Manchet valley
South facing apartment ideally located in the prestigious residence 'Le Squaw Valley', close to the slopes and only 50 metres from the church.
This stunning 253 m² duplex, located on the top floor, is fully south-facing and offers panoramic views of the village and surrounding peaks.
Find out what's happening in Val d'Isère and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and things to do, see and experience in the region. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts, all in the same place.
See allLatest News & ReviewsVal d'Isère hosts a wide range of events throughout the year. There are constant ski racing competitions throughout the winter, as well as the much anticipated La Scara youth event each April. In the summer, the resort plays home to some major trail running events such as the High Trail Vanoise in July, with Tour de France stages often passing nearby in July.
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