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What Skiers Say About Val d'Isère
Val d'Isère attracts predominantly intermediate to expert skiers and snowboarders, with many reviewers noting the extensive ski area (particularly when combined with Tignes) and high-altitude, snow-sure terrain. The resort is consistently praised for its après-ski scene, especially venues like Cocorico and La Folie Douce, and the quality of piste grooming. Beginners report mixed experiences, with some finding suitable runs at altitude but others noting that routes back to the village are red or black, requiring gondola access. Nearly all reviewers mention high prices for accommodation, dining, and lift passes, though most consider the overall experience worthwhile despite the cost.
AI-generated summary based on verified skier reviews
- extensive ski area
- snow reliability
- après-ski scene
- piste quality
- high altitude terrain
- lift infrastructure
- high prices
- limited beginner runs to village
- busy during school holidays
- expensive dining options
The night life was great all the skiers that i met were friendly, the hosts went out their way to help me to get where i needed.
The town was awsome as they have a lot of bars and places to eat and were all reasonable priced.
I would just like to say a big Merci for the whole experience, I am currently residing in Canada but will definatley go back again.
Starting with the town, it is a decently sized town but easy to walk around in. There are plenty of shops and bars to choose from and lots of options for food. If you’re like ourselves who proritise the skiing and try to maximise value for money on these parts of the holiday, do be aware that eating out and bars in Val D’isere are by far the most expensive of any French ski resort we have been to. Which is a fair few! Not to mention the supermarkets are fairly pricy, so pack as much food and beer as you can in the car before you head out and be ready to chef it up in the apartment. If you are staying somewhere slightly outside the centre of Val D’isere, like La Daille, (which can be cheaper), there are buses running reliably every 15 minutes to take you around between those and nearby areas - so walking isn’t a huge concern. The chair lifts in Val D’isere town are within walking distance and, there is also a funicular in La Daille that takes you up the mountain quick.
There are also buses running a few times throughout the day to take you accross to tignes and back if you fancy exploring it on foot. You can of course ski between the resorts if you prefer.
The skiing itself was sensational. The chair lifts are well maintained and did not have huge queues since we went just after the busy new year period. A fair few of the runs have snow cannons on them and are well maintained so conditions were decent before the big snow fall hit.
Beginners be aware - the beginners in my family were unable to ski down from the higher points of the resort into Val D’isere town. The runs directly into town are notoriously challenging with red runs and the well known Olympic Face run. There are beginner areas at the bottom and the top of the larger gondolas. But beginners will likely have to take the gondola both up and down between the two sites… lots of people at the resort do this.
When the big snow dump hit it was amazing. The town was incredibly well maintained with machinery clearing snow from roads and footpaths to keep the town functional for driving and walking. A very large majority of the runs were shut as visibility and wind was poor. But the runs that were open were sensational. The off piste was waist deep and the groomed runs were fantastic.
Finally, the Apres ski. Cocorico and follie Douce are reliably great for a couple. the small bars around the town had some great live bands playing that lead to some memorable nights. Well worth the higher pint cost.
All in all this resort is absolutely world class. I was apprehensive about the hype this place receives as it leans more into a higher class than its neighbour Tignes. But it was so so worth the extra cash. Highly recommend and would be back here in a heartbeat.
With the vast 300km of ski area on offer, there is no excuse not to hit the slopes. That view on the Leissières chair lift as you descend up and over, on a beautiful “Bluebird” day is one you can’t beat.
Braving the Glacier de la Grande Motte on my own remains the best run I’ve had ever - the ski lift up to the top had my stomach churning but it was so worth it.
I would say the runs are challenging, the blues did not feel as easy as I’ve experienced in other resorts, but it meant that made my days were always filled with a oomph & power schooping down the slopes!
As a resort itself, you can’t beat the après on offer - whether that’s dancing on the tables La Folie Douce or Cocorico. Or maybe a tartine & something more relaxed in a quieter bar, there are options for everything.
Amazing pizzas at Le Garage and good fondue at the Ski Gallery & Fondue. You won’t go hungry in the town, there will so much choice!
Pining to be back there…
What’s not to like!❤️
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