What to Do in Val-d’Isère

Val-d’Isère is one of the top 10 best European ski resorts. It deserved this title due to the impressive length of pistes (more than 300 km) and a well-functioning infrastructure. You don’t even have to take off your skis here to move from one skiing area to another. Moreover, after the Olympics in Albertville, absolutely everything in this resort town was equipped to the highest level: starting from illuminated beautiful modern buildings to marvelous restaurants. 

Enjoy the snow

The main attraction of the resort is the Espace Killy common skiing area as if “stitching up” pistes of Val d’Isère and Tignes. The area is named after Olympic champion Jean-Claude Killy. If you are keen of skiing, go crazy over speed, and “the harder the better” pistes inspire you, this is the right place for you.

Freeriders and lovers of “difficulties” idolize the local pistes and their absence. However, amateurs will also find slopes they may conquer as well as experienced and patient coaches. You will find the most modern lifts and even two funiculars here. One is worth a ride even if you have never ski before. The tunnel is cut through the masses of rock and ice so the ride must be exciting. 

The Val d’Isère region is famous for its snow laying almost all year round. In any case, you can ski on a glacier even out of season. And there is no such thing as “little snow” during the season.  Tellingly that the Critérium of the First Snow World Cup is held in Val-d’Isère every November. So, you can plan your trip to the resort to attend this event. 

Explore a historical heritage

Adventurers and antique lovers will definitely adore Val d’Isère! You will have the impression that you are in a parallel or even in another world. The center of the resort is literally soaked with the spirit of the past. Walking here will be a great pleasure as few ski resorts have preserved such a colorful spirit of the past.

You will get the impression that you are in a different era. Visit the XVII century church built in the Baroque style and preserved from the time of its foundation almost in its original form. If you wish, drop into the resort museum, which founder will personally tell fascinating stories about Val-d’Isère. Those traveling with children should pay a visit to the crafts center where they always hold some master class that is interesting for kids. (And not just for them).

How can a ski resort surprise you more? Especially if it is as well-respected as Val-d’Isère. Skiing is not the only program for a day you may enjoy. Sometimes it is worth trying other snow fun. For example, snowshoeing or dog sledding. Speed and drive lovers can learn how to drive a snow scooter. And if you want something more extreme, it’s worth trying to fly a paraglider or hang glider over the snow-capped mountains. Of course, you can choose less extreme activities as well: an ice rink, a pool, a gym, restaurants, and bars.

This prestigious resort will not disappoint you in terms of restaurants.  There are more than forty of them suiting every taste and offering the most popular world cuisines. No need to name them. It is better to arrange a gastronomic trip through them. Tasting of local cuisine is a kind of greeting and acquaintance at the same time. However, there is one must-visit place for sweet teeth. We mean the Chevallo House – a historic pastry shop. But this is not its only “zest” or rather “sugar”. The matter is the divinely delicious pastries, designer chocolate and a real hit among sweets – cookies with meringue. By the way, if you are interested in confectionery art, sign up for a master class.

Whatever activity you choose, we are sure that a vacation in Val-d’Isère is a guarantee of a good mood, snow as well as excellent skiing and relaxation.