Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Val d’Isere?
Depending on what you are looking for will determine which month to travel
Early and late season have some great deals available but on occasion can be a little sketchy on snowfall. Being so high though we have never had any serious issues with this.
January is the coldest month, but also the cheapest month and good for snow
February is a busy month with school holidays for each European country falling throughout the month
March is my favourite month. The sun is out, the snow is settled and usually still falling. You can enjoy your skiing often in blue skies, and enjoy a well earned glass of rosé on a sunny terrace at the end of the day.
April has its’ Easter weeks but is also a nice time to ski with sunny days and spring snow.
Which is the best area to stay in?
Resort centre: Of course the most popular place to stay, this has all the main activities and ski lifts
La Daille: A short 15 minute walk from the resort centre (or a short resort bus ride until 2am), la Daille has increased in popularity in recent years. All accommodation is very close to the slopes and lifts, connecting easily to the whole ski area. There is a shopping centre with everything you need, plus a few bars and restaurants. Accommodation is usually a little cheaper here.
Laisinant: A good choice for avid skiiers. There is a new 6 man express chairlift taking you straight up to the Solaise slopes and the centre is a 12 minute walk or short bus ride away
Le Fornet: A good choice for people seeking a quieter holiday, le Fornet has access to the Gondola taking you straight to the top of the mountain but has only two restaurants so avoids the hustle and bustle of other areas. The resort centre is a 10 minute bus ride away, operating regularly until 2am.
Legettaz: Most properties here are ski in/out or very close to the slopes, leading you straight down to the main ski area. Only a 12-15 minute walk into the centre. A bus runs throughout the day until 8pm if you don’t want to walk. Home to some of the resorts’ more luxury chalets
Joseray/Chatelard: Val’s quietest area, close to the Solaise slopes to ski home and about a 15 minute walk to the resort centre (less for Joseray). A ski bus operates regularly throughout the day until 8pm.
Is Val d’Isere suitable for beginners? Do beginners need a skipass? Are there any free lifts?
While not essentially a beginners resort compared to others, Val d’Isere does have a lot to offer. Free beginners lifts mean a ski pass is not needed straight away and gives you time to get your ski legs before heading up the mountain. Once you have the confidence and go up the mountain there is a terrific new area at Solaise, exclusively for beginners.We also have some great ski schools available. Just ask for details.
What is there in resort for Non-Skiiers?
Val d’isere is pretty good for non-skiiers.
The leisure centre has a terrific selection of activities on offer, from swimming, to climbing, to squash plus group classes.
See http://www.centre-aquasportif.com/ for details.
There are selected lifts open to pedestrians; the Olympic, the Solaise express, Bellevarde chair, Le Fornet cable car and la Daille Gondola.
At the top of each is a restaurant/bar, and some nice walks.
Cross country skiing and snow shoeing is also available
There is a Monday market, plus an array of shops, bars and restaurants in the centre of resort.
Which is the closest/best airport for Val d’Isere?
Chambery airport is the closest airport at about 2 hours from resort
The downside of Chambery is that it can be affected by diverse weather conditions resulting in flights being diverted to other airports and delays
Geneva & Grenoble are both about 2.5 hours from resort.
Geneva has more flights and is easier for transfers
Lyon is approximately 3 hours
Is there public transport to/from resort?
Yes of course.
www.altibus.com offers a public bus service from all airports to resort
www.autocars-martin.com offers a service from Bourg St Maurice train station to resort
How else can we get to/from resort?
If you would like to book a private transfer from any airport or Bourg St Maurice train station, please contact us for a quote
For shared transfers with other people, there are a few options available:
Say we sent you
www.snow-drone.com
www.snowbus.co.uk
www.bensbus.co.uk
Hiring a car is also an option although do consider that if parking is not included with your accommodation, this need to be arranged in resort at a cost of approximately 100€ for the week. See below for the link
Is there an in resort bus service?
Val has an excellent, free in resort service
La Daille-Le Fornet via Rond Point des Pistes (the main ski lifts) runs from 8am until 2am
Rond Point des Pistes – Chatelard or Legettaz
Main bus station to leisure centre/Joseray
See www.valdisere.com for full details
Are there taxis in resort?
There is a taxi rank situated at the main bus station.
This has improved in recent years but can be a little hit and miss on occasion
Can I park my car in resort?
Some accommodation options include parking. If they do not, you need to pay for parking at one of the in resort car parks. This can be arranged on www.parkingvaldisere.com and costs approximately 100€ per week.
Can I book a short break in Val d’Isere?
Of course. Short breaks to Val d’Isere though can work out quite expensive. Aside from limited low peak weeks when self catered options are available (mid Jan only), the only options for short stays are hotels. Many hotels are unwilling to offer short stays as they try to sell full weeks instead. So yes they are available, but not as easily arranged as certain other resorts. For short stay requests, we recommend in the first instance you click here
What is included in a “Package Holiday”?
Another British tradition, package holidays include transport (whether flight or train), transfers to/from resort and accommodation, whither an apartment, hotel or chalet. On some occasions, ski passes, hire and tuition can be included also. A package holiday can often work out more economical and stress free than arranging everything independently.
What is included in a chalet holiday?
Chalet holidays are a very British tradition, which is becoming more and more popular recently with other nationalities. A typical catered chalet offers 5 or 6 out of 7 days half board catering. This usually incorporates breakfast, afternoon tea (tea and cake), and a full evening meal with wine. The chalet host takes 1/2 days off a week giving guests the opportunity to explore the resorts’ many restauarants. Chalet holidays are available with or without transport.
Do I need a photo for my ski pass?
Photos are now only required for longer stays over 13 days
Are there ski pass discounts for families?
Discounts are available for families with two or more children travelling for 6 or 7 days. Contact us for a quote as this can vary depending on ages of the children. See Families For further details
Can I skip a day on my skipass?
As opposed to North America/Australasia, most resort ski passes run consecutively.
There are new Flexipasses available
When does my ski pass start/finish?
Your ski pass starts on the first lift of the date indicated and ends at the last lift on the date indicated
What is Carte Neige and does it replace insurance?
Carte Neige is a ski insurance offered to the French to supplement their national medical cover. Many other people choose to take this as a supplement to their own travel insurance as in some areas it can be beneficial . However, Carte Neige is NOT a substitute to full Winter Sports insurance.
Can I hire ski clothing?
Ski clothing can be hired from Unplugged near the Tourist Office. https://unplugged-store.business.site/
Are there ski lockers in resort?
If you hire your skis through our partner Snowberry , you may leave your skis overnight without charge. http://www.snowberry-valdisere.com . Otherwise there are ski lockers on the main snowfront. Cost for 4/5 pairs of skis or boots is around £80 for a week. Visit http://www.myskicase.com for details or to book on line.
Where can I find out what is going on in resort?
The Tourist Office is always a good place to start
Val Scope is issued every week and will advise all events for that week plus cinema and church services.
Is there luggage storage/shower facilities in resort?
Many accommodation options will allow you to store your luggage if you arrive early or leave late. If not, there is luggage storage and also showers at the central bus station on the main street.
