Luxury Ski Holidays Val d’Isère
Val d’Isère has been popular over the years with royals and celebrities for its luxury ski hotels, fine dining and lively après. The pretty town sits at 1,850m in the Tarentaise valley, and stretches three miles through the valley. Le Fornet is at one end with luxurious chalets, La Daille is at the other with tall apartment blocks and the main village is in the middle, by the Olympique and Solaise gondolas.
The town was originally developed around a 17th century church and stone farmhouses, now it is one of the most popular luxury ski resorts for British skiers. With two glaciers in the Espace Killy area that reach a height of nearly 3,400m and efficient snow-making machines, Val d’Isère is a snow-sure destination that can be skied from Christmas through to Easter.
SKIING IN Val d’Isère
Linked to Tignes, the Espace Killy ski area covers 300km of well-groomed pistes that cater for all levels of skiers. There are friendly beginner slopes at the top of the Olympique gondola, plenty of leisurely blues around the glacier and challenging black runs such as the Olympic downhill run, La Face.
Ask the Experts
Sophia, Ski Expert
“The free shuttle bus which runs from Le Fornet to La Daille is the quickest and most convenient way to reach each end of the resort.”
Sophie, Ski Expert
“Experienced skiers will enjoy the variety of off-piste territory - best explored with a backcountry guide or via helicopter."
Andy, Ski Expert
“The whole resort is easily accessible, meaning less experienced skiers can avoid the challenging reds and blacks back into resort.”
STAY IN LUXURY
The five-star Avenue Lodge has a fantastic location in the centre of Val d’Isère, surrounded by ski shops and restaurants. Interiors are modern with bold animal prints and exposed wooden beams. The underground spa facilities are fantastic with a pool, steam room and sauna.
Ski Solutions’ favourite, Hotel Christiania has been run for years by the Bertoli family. Enjoy lunch on the hotel’s sun terrace and unwind in the wellness area. At the bottom of the Olympic Bellevarde, Hotel Le Blizzard has fantastic lift access. The hotel’s spa is by Clarins and Savoy specialities are served in the restaurant.
Dining in Val d’Isère
Val d’Isère has high standards when it comes to dining out, with restaurants serving a mixture of quality traditional dishes and more contemporary cuisine. L’Atelier d’Edmond in Le Fornet is in an unassuming chalet with two Michelin-stars for its authentic Savoyard cuisine.
First opened in 1936, La Grande Ourse was built at the top of the first lift in Val d’Isère. The French bistro serves organic, local produce as well as having a delectable selection of pastries made by the patisserie master.
Winter activities
Have an après drink at La Folie Douce’s afternoon cabaret from the VIP veranda or have a glass of wine while listening to a live pianist at Les Barmes de l’Ours. Take an evening walk along Val d’Isère’s main street that is lined with designer shops or indulge in a spa beauty treatment.
More adventurous evening activities include ice driving in a BMW on La Daille’s circuit, ice diving up to 80m under Tignes’ lake or floating above the resort with a bird’s eye view while paragliding.
