Val d'Isere
Val d’Isère is one of those rare ski resorts that really does have it all. World-class skiing, a beautiful traditional village, an excellent restaurant scene and legendary après-ski come together in one of the most complete luxury ski destinations in the French Alps.
Linked with neighbouring Tignes, the vast Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area offers exceptional high-altitude skiing for every level, although confident skiers are particularly well rewarded. Long cruising pistes, challenging black runs, superb off-piste terrain and the iconic Face de Bellevarde all form part of the experience. Add reliable snow conditions and a long winter season, and it is easy to understand why so many skiers return year after year.
Away from the slopes, Val d’Isère has retained plenty of Savoyard charm while evolving into a sophisticated mountain resort. Stone-and-timber chalets line the village alongside stylish boutiques, excellent restaurants, cosy bars and some of the best après-ski in the Alps.
Our collection of luxury chalets in Val d’Isère ranges from beautifully designed family homes to exceptional ski-in, ski-out properties with private pools, spas and every imaginable comfort. Whether you come for the skiing, the food, the atmosphere - or, like us, a little of everything - Val d’Isère is very difficult to beat.
The Espace Killy lift pass gives access to over 300 km of ski runs (with 94 lifts), and both Val d’Isère and Tignes boast glaciers so you can be confident that early season or late season ski holidays here will offer guaranteed skiing.
Altitude (Val d’Isère): 1,850m
Skiable Range: 1,785 - 3,456m
Highest lift: 3,456m, the Grande Motte cable car
Longest Run: 10 km, La Sache
Ski terrain (Espace Killy): Pistes 300 km (150 km in Val d’Isère itself)
Blue 76%, Red 26%, Black 17%
La Face de Bellevarde is Val d’Isère’s most iconic run. Designed for the men’s downhill at the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics, this legendary black drops from Bellevarde all the way back into the village. Steep, sustained and often demanding, it remains a rite of passage for strong skiers - and a wonderful piece of Olympic skiing history.
Val d’Isère offers varied skiing for every level, from gentle cruising and confidence-building slopes to demanding blacks and exceptional off-piste terrain. Its extensive lift network makes it easy to move between the different sectors, while the resort’s varied orientation means you can often find enjoyable snow and good skiing conditions somewhere on the mountain throughout the season.
There are some excellent areas for beginners, particularly on Solaise, where the Madeleine area offers gentle, wide pistes in a sunny high-altitude setting. Once confidence grows, there are plenty of easy blues to progress onto without having to venture too far.
Intermediate skiers are particularly well catered for. We love heading towards Le Fornet in the morning, where the pistes are beautifully scenic and often a little quieter. The long blues and reds around Bellevarde and La Daille are equally good for covering some distance, while the link into Tignes opens up even more terrain for a full day exploring.
For more challenging skiing, take the Olympique gondola up to Bellevarde and try the famous OK red down towards La Daille. Over on Solaise, Arcelle is another favourite, with a lovely sense of space and some spectacular views along the way.
Advanced skiers have plenty to get excited about. Beyond La Face, Val d’Isère has steep blacks, bumps and technical terrain across Bellevarde, Solaise and Le Fornet. This is a resort where even very accomplished skiers can find a new challenge each day.
Val d’Isère is also renowned for its off-piste skiing, and some of the best terrain lies beyond the marked runs. The Col Pers above Le Fornet and the Tour du Charvet are among the classics, while the Vallée Perdue offers a completely different adventure through a narrow, dramatic gorge. After fresh snow, booking a guide is one of the best ways to discover just how much the mountain has to offer. Always ski off-piste with a qualified mountain guide.
From first turns on Solaise to Olympic descents, long cruising days into Tignes and some truly exceptional off-piste, Val d’Isère has the terrain to keep every level of skier entertained.
On a bluebird morning, head straight towards Le Fornet. The scenery is spectacular and the slopes often feel noticeably quieter than around the main Bellevarde and Solaise sectors. It’s one of our favourite places to start the day - particularly after fresh snow.
Two high-altitude dining experiences in one glamorous mountain setting. La Fruitière delivers creative French alpine cuisine with dairy-inspired flair, while La Cucùcina brings polished Italian comfort to a theatrical Renaissance interior. Ideal for a luxury ski lunch that naturally flows into après-ski.
Tucked away on the Mangard red run in Le Fornet, L’Edelweiss is a refined mountain restaurant for a memorable ski lunch. Its sunny terrace, glass dining room and carefully prepared dishes make it a beautiful choice for confident skiers seeking a quieter alpine setting.
High in the Solaise sector, this elegant refuge pairs authentic Savoyard flavours with panoramic mountain views. The vast sunny terrace and warm interiors make it perfect for a refined lunch, especially if you are travelling with mixed skiing levels, as pedestrians and beginners can access it easily.
Set at 3,032m on the Grande Motte glacier, this is a spectacular high-altitude lunch for skiers exploring the linked area. Warm wood, sheepskin details and glacier views frame polished mountain cooking, from wood-fired sharing dishes to carefully prepared meats and fish.
Perched near the legendary La Face black run, this characterful mountain restaurant combines cosy chalet charm with serious Savoyard generosity. Reached via Bellevarde Express and open to pedestrians, it is perfect for a long lunch, a strong wine list and a classic French Alps atmosphere.
Tucked into the Vallee du Manchet, this off-the-beaten-track address feels like a true mountain outing. Arrive by shuttle and a scenic walk, or ski in from Les Santons, then settle on the sunny terrace for generous homemade cooking surrounded by mountains.
At the top of the Fornet cable car, this practical yet charming mountain stop suits pedestrians, beginners and skiers meeting for lunch. Choose easy self-service downstairs or a more refined French meal upstairs, all warmly run by Brigitte and her team with wide mountain views.
At the summit of Bellevarde, this welcoming mountain brasserie offers sweeping views and comforting French alpine dishes. The generous menu and tempting dessert buffet make it a useful lunch stop for skiers moving between Tignes and the resort, with easy access via the Bellevarde lifts.
By evening, IMA offers Middle Eastern-inspired sharing cuisine in a stylish setting, with cocktails and a chic, festive mood. It is a lively choice for dinner with friends, especially if you want the night to continue, as after 1am the restaurant turns into a nightclub.
An intimate, softly lit address where Japanese-fusion dishes are made for sharing. Black cod with miso, beef tataki, gyosas, sushi and sashimi bring East-West flavours to a hushed lounge-style setting, perfect for a polished dinner with a quiet sense of occasion.
Inside the five-star Les Barmes de l’Ours, this is Val d’Isère’s Michelin-starred restaurant, led by chef Antoine Gras. Expect refined Alpine cuisine, local produce and an elegant setting for a special dinner. The hotel also has La Rôtisserie, a more relaxed option with a children’s games room.
Inside the five-star Hotel Le Blizzard, fresh local produce is served with understated alpine elegance. Choose candlelit dining in the cosy room or a sunny table by the poolside terrace, with generous market-led cuisine by chef Patrice Durant and a lighter lunch menu available.
Within Le K2 Chogori, this intimate and refined restaurant celebrates charcoal cooking, signature cheese fondues and alpine conviviality. Meats, fish and vegetables are elevated over the flame, with an exclusive cheese offer and elegant French desserts completing a polished mountain dining experience.
Made for friends, party lovers and dinner with a sense of theatre. Bourgeois French cuisine is lifted by exceptional ingredients, while the piano-bar spirit, cocktails and festive programme help the evening move naturally from glamorous dining to music, singing and late-night celebration.
Chef Nobu’s signature Japanese-Peruvian cuisine brings a cosmopolitan touch to the fine dining scene. Yellowtail Jalapeño, Matsuhisa Sashimi Salad and Black Cod Miso set the tone for a sleek, glamorous evening, perfect if you want something beyond classic Alpine flavours..
An elegant Italian trattoria within Les Airelles, this polished address combines cosy interiors by Christophe Tollemer with refined Venetian-inspired cooking from chef Riccardo Valore. Expect beautifully crafted pasta, Italian classics and a broad terrace for stylish sun-soaked lunches facing the peaks.
A playful chalet setting dedicated to Franco-Swiss alpine specialities, from bubbling fondues and grilled meats to salads, hot chocolate and homemade pies. A remarkable collection of more than 1,000 skis from the Killy Sport archive gives this relaxed Savoyard table real mountain character.
A contemporary bistronomic table with a refined take on alpine dining. Fresh seasonal produce, a fireplace, cocktail bar and subtle 1970s spirit create a warm yet elegant setting, while the wine list makes it a strong choice for a special, unpretentious evening.
Modern elegance meets classic Savoyard cuisine in a welcoming setting beside the slopes. Hearty pastas, alpine dishes and indulgent desserts work beautifully for lunch or dinner, while the evening mood becomes warm, lively and well suited to families.
A cosy Savoyard classic inside Hotel Le Blizzard, wrapped in aged wood and mountain warmth. Fondue, creamy Vacherin, rotisserie dishes and carefully sourced regional produce make it perfect if you want authentic Alpine specialities in a polished yet comforting setting.
Set in a traditional chalet on the main avenue, this convivial address celebrates homemade alpine cooking with a polished village feel. Sharing plates, apéritif dishes and generous mountain classics make it ideal if you are looking for a relaxed dinner in the old village.
Generous comfort food and warm alpine hospitality come together in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. The celebrated raclette, often considered the best in town, is served from a modern central station, while the downstairs games room is a useful bonus if you are visiting with younger children.
A friendly, casual address for generous comfort food after skiing. Burgers with homemade fries, plump-crust pizzas, hot boxes and indulgent desserts sit alongside Italian, Savoyard, American and Mexican flavours, plus big-screen sport on major event days.
A lively, authentic choice for a generous mountain dinner, known for Savoyard specialities and wood-fired grilling cooked before your eyes. The menu balances traditional alpine comfort with variety for different tastes, including vegetarian options.
A small, friendly après-ski address loved for its bar, warm local feel and famous génépi. Indoor space is very limited, so most people stay outside; dress warmly and enjoy a casual drink after skiing, often with acoustic live music from local artists.
A classic open-air apres-ski spot on the snow front, perfect for ending the ski day without leaving the village. From mid-afternoon, live music and DJ sets bring rock, pop and feel-good energy, with dancing in ski boots and a relaxed party crowd.
One of the Alps' most famous piste-side institutions, reached on skis or by pedestrians via the La Daille gondola. Live performers, DJs, dancers and an open-air terrace create a high-energy mountain party, ideal for luxury ski groups wanting lunch to roll into apres-ski.
At the foot of the slopes, sunny terraces and easy access on skis or on foot make this a softer après-ski option. A strong wine selection, generous sharing food and selected DJ sets create a warm, sociable mood without full party intensity. It is worth checking ahead for upcoming events.
As a nightclub, IMA brings a glamorous high-altitude party feel, with late-night DJ sets, signature cocktails, VIP tables and a chic festive atmosphere. It is a strong choice for dancing after dark, and it is also possible to come earlier for dinner with Middle Eastern cuisine.
An iconic Val d’Isère address for a night out, this lively Avenue Olympique restaurant-bar is known for great cocktails, live music and DJ sets. Dinner is also possible, with the first sitting better for a calmer meal and the second for a more festive evening.
A legendary late-night address by the Rond Point des Pistes, just below Cocorico, this club brings a glamorous party spirit. Bold decor, DJ sets, VIP tables and high-energy music make it one of the resort’s standout places to dance well into the night after après-ski has ended.
A standout nightlife address, Poya brings a lively alpine-house atmosphere with crafted cocktails, resident DJs, guest sets and music that takes over as the evening builds. There are two moods in one place: a festive bar for late drinks, plus a restaurant serving generous sharing dishes and pizzas.
For a spectacular alpine perspective, scenic flights reveal snow-covered summits, glaciers and, when conditions allow, Mont Blanc. Strong skiers can also arrange guided powder adventures over the border in Italy or Switzerland, with expert supervision and unforgettable high-mountain descents.
With a qualified high-mountain guide, learn to move across frozen walls and waterfalls using crampons, ropes, helmets and ice axes. Physical, dramatic and highly memorable, this winter adventure is best for active travellers looking for something different beyond the pistes.
Take to the skies with an instructor and see the village, pistes, Lac du Chevril and surrounding peaks from above. This memorable tandem flight is ideal if you want a gentle adrenaline moment, spectacular views and a completely different way to experience the Alps.
A microlight flight offers a sweeping bird’s-eye view of the resort and surrounding ski area. Taking off from the Solaise side, the landscape opens beautifully beneath you, from snowy peaks to frozen lakes and wide alpine valleys. A special experience for couples, families or thrill-seekers.
Wrap up warm and let the dogs lead the way through the snowy landscapes of the Vallée du Manchet. Led by a professional musher, this gentle alpine adventure combines fresh air, mountain scenery and storybook charm, making it especially memorable for families and couples.
Modern, electric and easy to handle, this light snow machine is a fun way to try something different on a closed circuit. Quiet yet surprisingly playful, it suits anyone looking for a new winter experience with a little speed, control and high-altitude energy.
A thrilling way to experience the mountain from a different seat, this guided snowy circuit begins with a safety briefing before you ride as driver or passenger. Younger adventurers can also try electric miniskidoos on a secure children’s circuit designed for winter fun.
Perfect for slowing down, this peaceful winter outing reveals forests, animal tracks and quiet snowy landscapes away from the pistes. Follow marked trails independently or head out with a guide for a deeper alpine experience, fresh mountain air and beautiful views at a gentler pace.
Set inside Les Barmes de l’Ours, this intimate two-lane alley offers a cosy off-slope activity for families and friends. Open to non-hotel residents subject to availability, it is a relaxed option for a snowy afternoon or a fun evening away from the mountain.
The natural rink in the centre of the village offers classic winter fun at a gentler pace. With skate hire available rink-side and a little chalet serving hot drinks, it feels cosy and family-friendly, ideal for children, couples or a relaxed moment off the slopes.
For a calmer moment, Maison de Val is a lovely place to read, play board games or enjoy family-friendly activities. Nearby, the cinema shows recent releases and selected classics, with many films screened in original version, often in English.
Ideal for a snowy afternoon, bad-weather day or post-mountain recovery. Children can enjoy the pools, while adults unwind in the wellness area with spa facilities, sauna and hammam. The complex also includes climbing, squash, gym and sports areas for an easy family-friendly break.
Combining cross-country skiing, target shooting and mountain spirit, this playful activity takes place in the beautiful Vallée du Manchet. Led by specialist instructors, it is technical yet accessible, making it a fun option for families, groups of friends and beginners.
Head into the mountains for a cosy wilderness-style dinner in an atmospheric yurt. Sociable, unusual and full of alpine character, the experience always includes a Savoyard meal followed by a thrilling return by sled, creating a memorable evening for families, friends or couples.
Nearby Tignes offers an extraordinary chance to explore a frozen lake from below the surface or try ice floating on the water. Fully supervised and equipped with specialist gear, these otherworldly experiences reveal a silent world of blue light, bubbles and ice, ideal for adventurous travellers seeking something truly unique.
There is always something happening in resort, so it is worth checking the Tourist Office programme during your stay. From family activities and torchlit descents to concerts, sporting events and seasonal celebrations, the weekly calendar is a simple way to add something extra to your holiday.
Shopping here is understated, stylish and full of village charm. Everything can be explored on foot, from ski shops and alpine boutiques to jewellers, galleries, food stores and little gift addresses. Under the snow, it feels especially magical - perfect for a relaxed post-ski stroll.
Val d’Isère has an excellent choice of specialist ski shops, from premium rental services to technical skiwear boutiques. Killy Sport is one of the resort’s most established names, with expert boot fitting, high-quality equipment, leading mountain brands and its in-house ski school, Mountain Masters.
Oxyski is especially useful for chalet fitting, with equipment booked in advance, delivered to your accommodation and adjusted on arrival. Snowberry is another highly regarded address for polished service, premium rental kit, expert fitting, orthotic support, storage and in-chalet fitting.
Your PA can organise chalet fitting in advance, making ski hire feel effortless from the moment you arrive in resort.
The fashion scene is compact but well curated, with a strong focus on mountain style, technical skiwear and elegant après-ski pieces. Fusalp brings its signature French sport-luxe look to the village, combining performance ski clothing with polished ready-to-wear, while MAX&MOI is a beautiful stop for cashmere, silk, leather, faux fur and soft winter pieces.
You will also find a good mix of fashion, outdoor and alpine lifestyle names, including Décalés, Hors Limites, Columbia, Patagonia, Millet, PullIn and the Quiksilver-Roxy-DC Store, where mountain culture meets boardriding style.
For art and interiors, Galerie Jane Griffiths is a lovely address to browse. Nearby, Décalés offers a luxury goods edit, while Seccotine is well worth visiting for interior design inspiration and chalet-style pieces.
For jewellery and watches, Frojo is the standout address, with its seasonal winter boutique set in an intimate, elegant space at Le Valstore.
For smaller gifts and souvenirs, Bricoval, La Maison and Le Chiquito are charming stops for decorative objects, toys, homeware, soaps, mountain-inspired pieces and everyday resort essentials.
For something more personal, Hugo Photographe can capture relaxed family moments, group ski days or beautiful memories of your holiday in the Alps.
M'Lire, a small bookshop that recently opened in the village, is perfect if you are looking for something more literary.
Chevallot boulangerie is a must for artisanal bread, croissants, pains au chocolat and refined savoury treats. At Boutique Clarines, his original shop, you can sit in for coffee and cake or take away something delicious for the chalet, and there is also a second shop in Val Village, opposite the Post Office. The Beaufort tart is a favourite.
Crazy Barm’s is another tempting address, specialising in beautiful pastries and desserts for special occasions. It is also a lovely spot to sit down for coffee, breakfast, brunch or lunch.
For regional products, La Fermette de Claudine is a wonderful stop for local cheeses and charcuterie, including cheeses made in resort at Ferme de l’Adroit. La Cave sur le Comptoir is ideal for wine tastings, a relaxed drink while the snow falls, or choosing bottles and cases to enjoy at home.
For self-catering, the village has a useful choice of food shops for everyday essentials. Spar is the main supermarket option, with several branches including the centre, Rond Point des Pistes, La Daille, Hameaux de Val and Portillo. Spar Les Halles de Val, in the centre, offers the widest choice, with fresh produce, wine, champagne, prepared dishes, cheese, a butcher’s counter and rotisserie chicken.
Sherpa, also in the centre, is a handy alternative, although a little smaller and with slightly less fresh produce. In the morning, you can usually find fresh bread and pastries in each of these supermarkets.
As always in resort, opening times can vary by season, so it is worth checking before setting off with an ambitious shopping list. Deliveries to your accommodation can also be arranged before you arrive.
Just under 30 minutes from Val d’Isère, Sainte-Foy is a quieter neighbouring resort with a superb reputation for off-piste skiing. When conditions are right, it is often slower to track out than the larger surrounding ski areas, making it a brilliant choice for strong skiers looking for fresh snow, tree routes and playful natural terrain. The real highlight is La Fogliettaz, reached after a climb above the Aiguille chairlift before dropping into a short, steep couloir and descending through wild powder fields towards La Masure. From there, continue to Le Miroir for lunch at Chez Mérie, a rustic farmhouse-style restaurant known for generous mountain cooking. A qualified local mountain guide is essential, and transfers should be arranged in advance.
For a softer take on the heli-ski experience, you can take a scenic helicopter flight towards La Thuile in Italy and La Rosière in France, both just a short hop from Val d’Isère. From the heli-base, enjoy spectacular views over the peaks before skiing a different area for the day, with the option to make the Italian side your lunch stop. Think fresh pasta, pizza and proper Italian coffee after a morning on the snow. The day can be as energetic or indulgent as you wish, from a full cross-border ski adventure to a relaxed mountain outing built around a memorable lunch.
Around two hours by car, Annecy is one of the most beautiful day trips in the region. Set beside its crystal-clear lake and framed by mountains, this elegant lakeside town is known as the “Venice of the Alps” thanks to the canals that wind through its old town. Spend the day wandering cobbled streets, admiring medieval architecture, browsing boutiques and stopping for coffee or lunch beside the water. With its mix of heritage, shopping, cafés and lake views, Annecy makes a wonderfully scenic change of pace from the mountains.
For something completely different, head to La Plagne and experience the Olympic bobsleigh track built for the Albertville 1992 Winter Games. This is the only bobsleigh track in France and offers a rare chance to try a true Olympic discipline in a supervised setting. Depending on the option chosen, you can ride with a professional pilot and feel the power of the track’s sweeping bends, high speeds and winter-sport heritage. Public sessions usually take place after athlete training, so dates and times should always be checked in advance.
For a luxury ski holiday in Val d’Isère, the easiest way to arrive is usually by air followed by a private road transfer. We recommend flying with our partner airline SWISS, who carry ski equipment at no extra charge, subject to your ticket conditions.
The closest airports to Val d’Isère are:
Chambéry (CMF): approx. 2h / 135km
Grenoble (GNB): approx. 2h 30m / 165km
Geneva (GVA): approx. 3h / 220km
Lyon Saint-Exupéry (LYS): approx. 3h / 240km
The official Val d’Isère guide identifies Chambéry, Grenoble, Geneva and Lyon as the main airports serving the resort, with Geneva and Lyon generally offering the widest choice of international flights and onward connections.
SkiBoutique works with trusted transfer partners to arrange private and luxury road transfers from the airport of your choice directly to your luxury chalet in Val d’Isère. Helicopter transfers can also be arranged on request, subject to weather and landing conditions.
The nearest railway station is Bourg-Saint-Maurice, around 30km from Val d’Isère. From the station, the final journey takes approximately 40 minutes by private transfer, taxi or scheduled bus.
From the UK, travel from London by Eurostar towards the French Alps, with seasonal winter services to Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Once there, SkiBoutique can arrange a private transfer for the final journey up to the resort. Bourg-Saint-Maurice is also served by French TGV and regional services.
If you choose to drive from the UK, Val d’Isère is approximately 905km / 560 miles from Calais, with a driving time of around 10 hours, depending on traffic, weather and stops en route.
The final approach follows the N90 through Bourg-Saint-Maurice before continuing up the Tarentaise Valley to Val d’Isère. In winter, the Col de l’Iseran is closed, so routes approaching from the Maurienne side should be avoided.
