Val d’Isere Ski Resort Guide
Val d’Isere has the enviable position of being known worldwide as one of the most iconic resorts on the planet. It is a reputation that is thoroughly deserved by this picturesque resort which sits nestled in the surrounding mountains at the very end of the long, winding Tarentaise Valley road.
Combining a high altitude location, excellent snowfall record, and an extensive ski area shared with the neighbouring resort of Tignes, Val d’Isere is understandably popular with holidaymakers who visit again and again over its long winter season.
Having started out as a small Alpine farming settlement, Val d’Isere developed rapidly into the skiing & snowboarding mecca it is today but has managed, for the most part, to maintain its village aesthetic. The main town centre area is where most of the shopping, eating & drinking establishments and accommodation can be found. The resort is completed by two smaller villages of La Daille and Le Fornet at either end which can be reached by the free bus service. La Daille features some large hotels and accommodation blocks and sits at the entrance to Val d’Isere, while Le Fornet is made up of prettier stone and wood chalets and is a much more tranquil location.
A huge number of British and Scandinavian holidaymakers swell Val d’Isere’s population during the winter months. This provides the party atmosphere which the resort is renowned for. Although labelled as expensive and elitist by some, there are plenty of more affordable and relaxing amenities to be found. It’s not all champagne and caviar, but it certainly can be if you want it.
