Val d'Isère Ski Holidays

Typically, Val d'Isère boasts outstanding ski conditions from early December to early May. At 1850m (6,000 feet) it's among the highest resorts in Europe. However, there is more to Val than that:

• 1850m is the lowest point and the skiing is all above this altitude, meaning that the average height of the ski area is considerably higher than other resorts where the accommodation is above 1800m.
• Many of the slopes are north-facing, protecting them from the sun that blights south-facing ski areas in March and April. The Grande Motte and Pisaillas glaciers have great skiing right to the end of the season.
• Whilst benefiting from the same Atlantic depressions as other French resorts, Val often receives heavy snowfall from the Mediterranean low pressures which dump their snow on the Italian Alps. Once in a while, a local weather phenomenon known as the Retour d’Est results in heavy snow in Val while nearby resorts can only read the weather reports in disbelief.

While it can be extremely cold, particularly in December and January, this combination of factors, not to mention extensive artificial snowmaking and glacial terrain, means that Val has one of the best snow records in Europe. In fact, the World Cup Ski circuit holds the Criterium de la Première Neige event in Val every December to test the quality of the first snow.

All three of Val’s ski areas – Bellevarde, Solaise and Le Fornet – have wide, cruising blue runs higher up and more challenging runs for strong skiers lower down. Beginners will find slow skiing zones and easy runs at the top of Solaise and Bellevarde. There are seven lifts which are completely free of charge (Village/Rogoney), plus three drag lifts in the Solaise area and two in La Daille. For intermediate and advanced skiers seeking long red runs, Tignes has a huge amount to offer. Getting there couldn’t be easier, as the Espace Killy integrates the two resorts seamlessly. The off-piste terrain is vast and taking a guide is the only way to really do it justice.

You can book your Val d'Isère holiday for as long as you like, although we find that most people tend to go for a week to 10 days. The beauty of booking with Scott Dunn is that there are no limits – we're here to create the trip that caters to your appetite and your schedule.

Yes! Val has plenty to offer non and part-time skiers. The Leisure Centre, which opened in December 2009, is a fabulous new facility, offering swimming, squash, cardio training, a sports hall, a climbing wall and a range of fitness classes as well as jacuzzi, steam and sauna facilities. The ice driving circuit is the world’s most thrilling driving lesson and dog sledding, ice skating, paragliding, snowshoeing, ice climbing and snowmobiling are just a few of the other activities on offer in Val d'Isère.

The village is bustling with bars, shops and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. The policy of leaving the streets covered in snow undoubtedly adds atmosphere and reduces the salt pollution of the Isère River. Rubber “granny gripper”-style crampons are a good idea when wandering through the village to avoid a tumble. Val is restricting vehicular access to make wandering the central streets more of a pleasure and the Vieux Village is the oldest part – a delightful mix of narrow streets and original chalets.

Historically the nightlife, epitomised by Dick’s Tea Bar, has been high on raucousness and low on sophistication but this has changed considerably and we think it now offers a great balance of fun and quality. Eating out is improving every year but quality varies from one season to the next so it is always a good idea to get the most up-to-date advice from our resort team. The lamb shank at the Lodge is always reliable, La Grande Ourse is another favourite and 1789 may look unimpressive but the ‘cote de boeuf’ cooked on the fire is quite delicious. The range of bars and nightspots is just as varied and Café Face, La Doudoune’s Le Chalet and the bar of Le Blizzard come recommended.

The ski schools in Val d'Isère compete hard for business and as a result, the resort is well served by a multitude of excellent choices. Private and group lessons, as well as guiding, are provided by English-speaking instructors and good coaching can make a massive improvement to your holiday. We recommend Oxygene and Progression in particular.