Reasons to visit

An original small alpine farming village, Val d'Isere, one of the great mega resorts and now considered by many to be the world's premier ski resort that continues to grow year by year has not lost its village feel and sense of tradition. With its very attractive pedestrianized centre dating back to the 13th Century, the use of the traditional Savoyard materials of stone, wood and lauze has created a wonderful harmony of colour and Savoyard charm. A top destination high altitude resort at 1850m with its vibrant and lively atmosphere combining spectacular skiing and abundant fashion boutiques, cafes and restaurants, the village provides plenty of choice for anyone looking to purchase a property here. Val d'Isere itself is made up of a number of small little pretty hamlets that run along the valley floor which include Le Cret, Le Chatelard, Le Laisinant, Les Carats, Le Joseray and Le Legettaz, while La Daille and Le Fornet are big enough to call themselves villages in their own rights. Many of these little mini resorts have their own direct access to the ski domain and offer a ski in experience.

One of the best resorts for expert skiers and boarders and a firm favourite with second home owners, the area offers some of the best skiing and boarding anywhere in the world. Part of the Espace Killy ski domain ranging from 1550 – 3456m, comprising two glaciers and 300km of marked piste runs that are all open to boarders, the outstanding geographical position combines to provide something for everyone including children and beginners. Thanks to the resorts location against the peaks of the Italian border, the snowfall record is one of the best in Europe and ensures regular fresh powder and an extended season right to the end of May. The 94 ultra-modern lifts that link Val d'Isere and Tignes, carry over 150,000 skiers per hour, making this one of the great resorts for lift served off piste runs. The Oakley Val Park provides plenty of variety including different hips and jumps of different sizes and levels, 25 modules with wall, rail banana, rainbow kick, flat track, dancefloor and barrels as well as a boarder cross for all levels. For the Cross Country skier there are 21km of tranquil peaceful marked trails to enjoy at your own pace.

Anyone not wanting to ski there are a myriad of other pastimes to enjoy from Huskey sledding in charge of your own team of huskeys to ice climbing, ice driving of quads, 4x4's and go carts, paragliding, snow mobiling, snow shoe walking, ice skating, and 24km of cleared and signposted winter hiking trails. Indoors the brand new sport and aquatic centre with kiddies zone includes swimming pool, leisure pool, aquafun area, multi activity sports hall (football, basketball, badminton, table tennis), climbing area, wellness zone (sauna, steam bath, spa, cold baths, hydro massage) and fitness suite (gym, yoga, squash) is open every day. As well as boutique shopping, the 50+ restaurants the resort boasts offers a wide array of culinary delights from the gastronomic to Savoyard regional dishes. Val d'Isere comes alive at night as the bars fill up with a festive atmosphere into the early hours of the morning. The casino and cinema showing English films each week are a more sedate alternative to the Apres ski scene.

For those looking for a second home in a resort perfect for children of all ages, this is the place. There are so many things for kids to do throughout the summer and winter here. All run by experienced staff, the facilities are split into three age groups. The village crèche provides fun and educational indoor and outdoor activities for children from 18 months to 3 years. Children of 4 – 10 year and Teenagers of 11 – 16 year enjoy a host of age related activities the resort has to offer that includes trampolining, dance classes, rambles, climbing, canyoning, hokey, baseball and many more.

Summer in Val d’Isere is just as popular as the winter with lifts for hiking and mountain biking running from the beginning of July to the end of August. Located at the entrance to the 53.000 ha Vanoise National Park including peaks of 3800m with many glaciers, there is an abundance of hiking trails from simple one hour strolls to the three day expedition over the different passes. All offering spectacular views and clean mountain air trails are graded according to difficulty, clearly signposted along with walking time guides. Due to the growing demand for mountain biking a series of tracks and a bike park have now been created dedicated to meeting the demand of mountain biking. Another way of seeing the amazing terrain is on horseback or donkey trek.

Horse riding is available in the resort that includes lessons suitable for all age groups while donkey treks are great fun for the family. Skiing is also sometimes possible through June and July on the glacier dependant on the conditions. Other adrenaline outdoor sports include rock climbing (indoor/outdoor), Via Ferrata a form of rock climbing with ropes and ladders, glacier walking, paragliding, canyoning, rafting and kayaking. The Charles Diebold sports park in the centre of the resort and the free shuttle bus to the Manchet Club house in the summer provide access to activities that include tennis, swimming pool, crazy golf, children’s playground, white water activities, beach volley ball, adventure course, circus school, fencing, fitness, golf practise range (nearest course is close by at Tignes), skate park, football, rugby, gymnastics, archery and much more.

Val d’Isere can be accessed via Chambery airport situated 144km away with transfers usually taking around 2.5 hours, while Lyon and Geneva are 3 and 3.5 hours away respectively. Private transfers from these airports are provided by a number of local companies ensuring you get to the resort with the minimum of fuss. Public buses also run from the airports to Val d’Isere. Should you wish to visit any of the Val d’Isere properties being marketed, we would be happy to assist you with arrangements including hotel recommendations in the resort. Please contact us for more information.