Justifiably ranked as one of the premier ski resorts in the world, Val d’Isère attracts people from all over the world, and a Val d’Isère chalet is the ultimate way to enjoy the dazzling atmosphere and huge ski area.
A long-standing winter playground with a loyal following, Val d’Isere retains its popularity due to the high quality of skiing as well as myriad off-piste attractions. Val d’Isere and neighbouring Tignes form the Espace Killy ski area, a ski region of 300 kilometres of pistes and 158 runs. The resort delivers quality snow, right through a long season, for a variety of ski levels, from beginner to veteran. The long season commences near the end of November and continues to the first week of May. Moreover, there is glacier skiing during the summer through the Grande Motte and Pissaillas.
Leaving Geneva airport, you will arrive in Val d’Isère in 2¼ hours, whilst the transfer from Chambéry is only about 90 minutes. The resort is found at the end of the Tarentaise Valley, the village sitting 1850 metres up the mountain, with the top slopes nearly 3400 metres in elevation, just below the summit of Pointe du Monet. With many slopes facing north, the snow remains in shadow, allowing skiing much later than south-facing slopes do.
Unlike so many resorts that claim a massive ski area, the pistes of Val d’Isere and Tignes are naturally linked without the need for long connecting trails or lifts. As well, with considerable investment in the past years, Espace Killy boasts a superior lift system – one of the best in the world, in fact – with nearly 100 lifts in operation, most of which are high speed.
Visitors to the area are assured of snow, and with that reliability comes a number of ski and snowboarding events. Foremost is the Critérium de la Première Neige, a mid-December competition presented by the Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS). This has been held annually since 1955 and attracts a loyal following.
The village dates all the way back to 1664, giving the resort far more character than most other high altitude resorts in the French Alps. The pretty old village reflects the Savoyard traditions and architecture and has preserved all of its charms. The attractive pedestrianised centre, boasting a delightful village ambience, offers everything one would want from a classic ski resort.
Val d’Isere is one of the most sought-after ski resorts in the world due to its vast terrain, endless off-piste opportunities and exciting après-ski life. Combining an incredible snow record with a traditional village feel, ticks all the boxes for an unforgettable European ski experience.
For the ultimate ski chalet holiday in the French Alps, book a luxury catered Val d’Isere chalet with staff, housekeepers and a chef included from Villanovo.
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