What You Need To Know About Val D’Isere
The Alps is one of the most famous mountain ranges in the world and the largest in Europe.
Covering numerous European countries including France, Switzerland and Italy, the region is packed full of excellent ski resorts that see thousands of people from around the world visit each year.
With this in mind, deciding on the best ski resort to visit can be a bit of a challenge. There’s lots to consider, including your skiing ability, where is a suitable location for families and the amenities the different resorts offer.
At Alpine Fleet, we’ve spent years helping people get to and from some of the best ski resorts in the Alps. From stunning views to perfect pistes, in this time we’ve learned what each resort boasts and what it has to offer you and your party ahead of your next trip.
The resort of Val D’Isere is one of the Alps’ very best and most regularly visited destinations. In this article, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about Val D’Isere so you can decide whether it is the right choice for your trip.
Read on to find out more.

Where is Val D’Isere?
Let’s start with identifying exactly where Val D’Isere is located.
The ski resort can be found in the French Alps and close to the Italian border. It makes up one-half of the world-famous Espace Killy ski area which is regarded as one of the greatest skiing areas, not just in the Alps, but in the entire world.
Along with the neighbouring resort of Tignes, Val D’Isere covers a vast area with significant terrain to explore. In fact, there are more than 10,000 hectares to explore and you can enjoy the breathtaking views on offer from the two glaciers of Le Pissaillas and La Grande Motte.
The history of Val D’Isere
While the ski resort started taking shape in the early 18th century, the rich history of the Val D’Isere area dates back centuries even before the advent of Christianity.
The exact date when dwellers began settling in the area is unknown, but what we do know for sure is that the local parish church, named after Saint Bernard of Menthon (the patron saint of mountain dwellers), was first built in 1664. Somewhat remarkably, the church managed to survive the French Revolution when many churches were being destroyed. These days, the church can still be seen with pride of place at the heart of the village.
Val D’Isere is surrounded by some of the Alps’ most rocky terrain, and it was difficult for outsiders to access the area until 1888 when a mountain road was built making it easier for people to go to and from the resort. Shortly after, the first hotel was opened which unofficially marked the start of the ski resort we see today.
In the 1930s, a man from Paris called Jacques Moufflier opened Hotel Parisian which made the resort even more appealing to skiers. A period of construction and development followed which saw more road links to the resort opened and the first cable car was constructed in 1940. More progress came after the end of the Second World War, and Val D’Isere had soon been converted into a fully operational ski resort while maintaining the rustic charm and traditions of the rural village. Local farmers even diversified and began opening local shops and accommodation alongside their agricultural work.
In 1967, the famous La Daille gondola was opened (more soon followed) which provided guests with the chance to spend time at both Val D’Isere and its neighbour Tignes.
These days, Val D’Isere is one of the most famous ski resorts in the world and has seen a number of famous skiers hone their skills on its numerous slopes. Perhaps most famous of these was Jean-Claude Killy who won three gold medals at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble and who has a ski area named after him at Val D’Isere.
How high is Val D’Isere?
Standing at a stunning 6,000 feet, or 1,850m, Val D’Isere is well known as one of the highest resorts in Europe. While altitude is not the be-all and end-all, it is often an important consideration when people are deciding on a resort.
This also means you will be treated to some of the most stunning views in the Alps, and there are 96 ski lifts at the resort that can get you to these great heights. The average skiing height at Val D’Isere is greater than many of the other popular ski resorts that can be found in the Alps.
Is there snow at Val D’Isere?
Val D’Isere has one of the greatest snow records in the whole of Europe. On average, it experiences around 450 centimetres each year and this is added to by over 300 snow cannons and guns that contribute to the natural snow.
Not only does Val D’Isere receive a high level of snow due to the natural Atlantic depressions that occur across French ski resorts, it also gets a significant amount from the Mediterranan low pressures which drops a lot of snow on the Italian resorts. And as Val D’Isere is close to the Italian border, it benefits from this.
This is great news for visitors, as having a good level of snow is undoubtedly a key requirement for all guests to ski resorts. However, it’s worth noting, that this high level of snow fall also contributes to extremely cold temperatures, especially during the winter months of November and December.
Is Val D’Isere good for beginners?
As one of the most extensive ski resorts in the Alps, there is plenty for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a complete novice or an experienced skier, Val D’Isere has something for everyone which makes it perfect for beginners.
There are 20 green ski runs to enjoy, and these are the ones that are considered the best for beginners. Once you’ve mastered these then you can move on to any of the 67 blue runs that Val D’Isere has to offer, and if you’re with someone who is more experienced then there are also 40 red and 26 black runs.
Plus, there are numerous ski schools that are hosted by some of the best ski instructors in the world who can help you to master the basics.
How to get to Val D’Isere?
Despite being based in France and close to the border with Italy, the best way to get to Val D’Isere is to actually fly into Switzerland at Geneva Airport. This is because it takes less than three hours to get from the airport to Val D’Isere.
While cars can be hired and driven to the resort, we would always recommend getting an airport transfer. This is because the mountain roads can be treacherous and challenging if you are not used to them, and after your flight, it’s perhaps not the most relaxing activity.
Instead, airport transfers will get you to and from the resort without you having to worry about a thing. Instead of navigating unfamiliar roads in, sometimes, difficult conditions, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the mountain views.
Private transfers will take you and your group to the resort in a private vehicle, whereas shared transfers are also available that take larger groups. Whatever option you prefer, Alpine Fleet can cater for all of your requirements.
Can you ski from Val D’Isere to Tignes?
One of the biggest benefits of visiting Val D’Isere is that you get two resorts in one. That’s because the beautiful resort of Tignes is not far away, and can be easily visited during your trip.
Most ski passes will grant you access to both resorts, so in the unlikely event that you get bored with what Val D’Isere is offering, you can pop next door to experience the range of slopes at Tignes. There are even chairlifts that will take you between the two.
Is Val D’Isere family-friendly?
If you’re travelling with family, it’s important to check whether your chosen ski resort is family-friendly.
Val D’Isere is the perfect mountain resort for spending time with your nearest and dearest, As well as the fresh air and varied ski slopes, there are also a number of family activities you can get involved with, especially if you have children.
There are several kid-friendly slopes and ski schools that can get your little ones out enjoying the slopes, as well as indoor activities like swimming pools, a sports hall, a climbing hall and even a play barn that comes equipped with toys and games like table football.
Val D’Isere is also Famille Plus certified, demonstrating the resort’s family commitment.
Heading to Val D'Isere
At Alpine Fleet, we can provide you with leading private transfers and shared transfers that can take you to and from Val D’Isere directly from Geneva Airport.
Our team can also provide you with a guide to skiing in Val D’Isere as well as information on how to get to the resort. For more information on what we do, contact our team today.