WELCOME TO VAL D’ISERE

On arrival, this typically Savoyard village nestling at the foot of the mountains will instantly captivate you. Since its creation in 1934, the « Great Lady » has become one of the largest skiing areas in the world. Here you’ll quickly adopt the alpine way of life and discover a place where nature rules. The fantastic era of pioneers is engraved on the outline of the slopes and in the wooden, stone and slate-roofed houses. This is because Val d’isère is a village that has grown in the image of its ambassador Jean-Claude Killy : leader of the driving force behind the local spirit. A village full of history overflowing with undying traditions, winning dynamics and authentic culture.

A LEGACY

The high alpine valleys have always been an important place for all manner of exchanges, both in trade and culture. Situated at the crossroads of the main transalpine highways, the Haute Tarentaise region was a communication route used throughout the seasons, the final stage before the ascent of the Iseran, Galise and Rhême Calabre mountain passes.
A great number of civilizations rubbed shoulders here and left their mark on this region with their treasures and diversity. A genuine haven of nature, where the first inhabitants of Val d’Isère established their sense of hospitality and open mindedness.

A PROTECTED LIVING ENVIRONMENT

Very early on, the inhabitants of Val d’Isère, concerned about the quality and the harmony of their environment, knew how to protect and develop their exceptional site. Beyond the majestic mountains, pine and larch forests and vast unexplored expanses, their domain developed surrounded by breathtaking beauty. Entering Val d’Isère by the unique gateway of La Daille always provokes a real magical feeling. The glacial blue contrasts with the gold of the church and chapel altarpieces. Great art that the visitor can explore by following the meandering « Chemin du Baroque » road throughout the entire Tarentaise region. A certain Savoyard way of life is embodied in the stone and wood houses with their colonnaded slatecovered roofs.

THE BIRTH OF A LEGEND

From its earliest days in 1934, Val d’Isère was admired by the great sportsmen of the elite skiing world. In 1948, Henri Oreiller became the first French skier to win an Olympic medal when he triumphed in the St Moritz downhill race. The Goitschel sisters, both Olympic champions, became famous during the 1960’s before Jean Claude Killy thrilled the entire world at the 1968 Winter Olympic Games in Grenoble by carrying off three gold medals.
The organisation of the Albertville Olympic Games twenty four years later and Val d’Isère’s bid to host the World Alpine Skiing Championship in 2009 bear witness to the local inhabitants’ continuing energy and their ability to keep the flame of a living legend alive.

WHITE MAGIC

The village of Val d’Isère, situated in the heart of the Vanoise National Park, is dedicated to all aspects of skiing. Val d’Isère, a top class olympic site, joins forces with neighbouring resort Tignes to make up the « Espace Killy » : a remarkable skiing area with over 300 km of marked runs. A respected natural environment transformed into an exceptional winter sports playground where both skiers and snowboarders are particularly pampered. From safe slopes for skiers of all abilities to the vast fields of immaculate snow for powder hounds, there’s something here to satisfy everyone’s desires.

FOR PLEASURE

In Val d’Isère, slope management and maintenance is subject to constant attention. A well-established skiing Mecca, the resort ceaselessly innovates in order to offer ideal skiing conditions and runs right down to the villages. Daily slope grooming and maintenance ensure that the entire area is safe and a pleasure to ski. On-slope signposting is strictly controlled throughout the whole resort.
The natural snow cover is enhanced by artificial snow-making machines which can create 50 km of snow. High speed chairlifts, cable cars, gondolas…
The resort is fully equipped to guarantee minimum time on the lifts and maximum time on the slopes whatever the season.

THE BELLEVARDE MYTH

In order to secure recognition as one of the great sporting resorts, all that was left for Val d’Isère to accomplish was an unprecedented downhill event. This was achieved during the 1992 Winter Olympic Games. Spurred on by jean Claude Killy, Bellevarde unveiled its hidden « face » before the eyes of millions of admiring spectators ; a 1000 metre vertical drop and immensely demanding turns offered athletes the perfect opportunity to show off their technique, daring and skilfulness.
Now anyone may ski here : with its geological diversity, the 10 000 hectares of the Espace Killy thrill all kinds of skiers all levels, not to mention walkers who will be enchanted by the heavenly ascent of the summits.

A TASTE OF ADVENTURE

The sheer variety of the skiing area, broad slopes, wide open faces and narrow gullies, moguls, trails through the forest… The ski area stretches far and wide through immense expanses of untamed territory where the experience of an instructor or guide may prove useful. Val d’Isère also caters for freestyle fanatics with its specially equipped zones and a
35 000 m2 snow park which includes 1 half pipe, 2 boarder crosses, 1 slide box, 6 slide bars, a 30 m-long spine and a multitude of other obstacles.
With its well exposed slopes and excellent snow cover, the Espace Killy offers an unlimited choice in the very latest boarding and riding techniques. Great outdoors enthusiasts will prefer the intoxicating panoramic views 3300 m up : the air is crystal clear and the silence deafening…

CHAMPIONS IN THE MAKING

The Children’s village is a very special world reserved for 3 to 8 year olds. It’s the ideal place to spend some quality time and make new and exciting discoveries. A team of qualified staff offer a wide range of activities depending on the age and the tastes of each child. Outdoors, the children can play to their hearts’ content…
Beginner and intermediate ski lessons are also an offer for our mini champions within the safe haven of specially reserved areas. 500 ski instructors enthusiastically teach youngsters how to make their very first turns. The fruits of a great teaching tradition combined with real teaching skills will guarantee peace of mind for parents.

WELL –BEING

The principal aim of a holiday in the mountains is to enjoy fresh air, exercise and plenty of relaxation. Cross country skiing, paragliding, snow shoe outings… a wealth of activities which give a new meaning to the word « pleasure ».
Make the most of the holiday to pamper body and mind. The local swimming pool and the ice skating rink are open to the public. Numerous hotels and chalets are fitted with saunas, steam baths and jacuzzis. The resort’s many spas and health centres offer innumerable ways to soothe mind and body.
There is also the cultural side of the resort to explore : be spoilt for choice in the extensive multimedia library, become a member of the bridge club, join in one of the literary meetings, go to a classical music concert or visit the local Savoyard farm.

A VILLAGE ATMOSPHERE

Throughout its history the village has maintained its taste for fundamentals and conviviality. Val d’Isère nurtures a genuine passion for all aspects of the land and its essence. The original character of the village has been carefully preserved. You can sense it in the intimate atmosphere of the tea rooms, wine bars and in the refined elegance of the hotels. Take time out to stroll lazily through the pedestrian areas under the shelter of the arcades. Boutiques, bars and restaurants offer a welcome moment of respite after a long day on the mountain. There’s no shortage of entertainment filling the streets of Val d’Isère : themed evenings, ski shows, firework displays, music concerts and other prestigious events.

A TASTE OF THE GOOD LIFE

Your taste buds will cherish the memory of local gourmet specialities as Val d’Isère offers an abundance of restaurants combining talent, imagination and expertise. A traditional Savoyard meal in an authentic setting, or a choice feast enjoying panoramic views… there’s something to satisfy every gourmet’s whim. Early evening and the bars illuminate the twillight, then take over to keep the night swinging. As darkness falls in Val d’Isère, the party animals awakes. Val d’Isère by night awaits you with a twinkle in its eye. In the clubs DJ’s spin their disks into the early hours.

SUMMERTIME

All the mysteries of Val d’Isère will be unveiled to those who linger along the alpine footpaths. In summertime, towering summits boarder on the pastures and majestic lakes. You can feel the mountain spirit, typical of the summer months, whilst meandering along one of the multitude of alpine trails.
Midway between heaven and earth, sport and leisure activities bloom in abundance. Here, children are given priority : everything is structured and organised to entertain them and to heighten their awareness of the joys of the mountains. A nature lover’s paradise, Val d’Isère is a perpetual source of enchantment.

HEAVEN ON EARTH

During the summer months, lovers of snow-covered slopes, summer skiing and unique scenery are presented with the eternal treasures of the fully equipped glaciers. When summer blooms, water transforms some areas into exceptional fishing grounds. The Manchet Valley, surrounded by nature, metamorphoses into a life size playground : children can try their hand at any number of activities, from experiencing new sensations to joining in team sports and recreational activities. Val d’Isère stimulates a love of mountains which the whole family can share in complete safety.

LET NATURE TAKE ITS COURSE

The St Charles bridge is one of the gateways to the Vanoise National Park, kingdom of mountains and marvels. The area stretches over 53,000 hectares from Maurienne to the Tarentaise region. The lakes and rivers are filled with an unexpected flora and fauna.
The biodiversity of the mountain pastures is exceptionally rich : over 1300 ibex and around 5000 chamois live together in harmony with a number of other mammals such as the alpine hare, marmot, ptarmigan, golden eagle and the bearded vulture. So many gifts from nature simply waiting to be discovered along the numerous well- signposted footpaths and trails. This area of unspoilt nature is the ideal place for all kind of rambling and hiking for all levels from beginners to experienced mountaineers.

A FAMOUS ROUTE

The Iseran plays an important part in history as the highest mountain road in Europe
(2770 m). Officially opened in 1937, the road is a link between the Tarentaise and Maurienne regions. Every summer, between June and October, innumerable cyclists, cars and motorbikes make the 900 metre vertical climb along the 17 kilometre-long road. A mythical stage of the « Tour de France » cycle race, the Iseran pass has become a key point along the « Grands Alpes » route. The scenery is breathtaking as the road rises above Val d’Isère. Your reward awaits at the summit : a 360 ° panoramic view with the Franco-Italian Tsanteleina peak in the forefront.

EVENTS

Val d’Isère is preparing a multitude of events for you for the coming seasons… festivals, sporting events and culture. Over the years Val d’Isère has continually organised major events, Olympic Games, « Criterium de la Première Neige » - an alpine skiing World Cup event, Adventure and Discovery Film Festival, 4x4 Motor Show… Val d’Isère loves a challenge.