Val d’Isere is a premium French alpine resort that oozes charm and panache. The calibre of the skiing is also world class, and the resort hosts numerous international skiing competitions annually. Along with nearby Tignes ski resort, Val d’Isere forms the self-titled "Most Beautiful Ski Area in the World".
Val d'Isere - Tignes was formerly known as 'Espace Killy' named after Jean-Claude Killy, the legendary French champion alpine ski racer who dominated the sport in the late 1960s.
The Val d’Isere ski resort has three main ski areas on the side of the valley; Le Fornet, Le Solaise, and Bellevarde. They are well served by modern high speed lifts including a high-volume gondola and fun and speedy funicular.
Val d’Isere and Tignes provides 300 km of piste on wide highway-like runs, and a somewhat unique experience for beginners with high altitude runs that afford spectacular scenery. However beginners should note that beginner runs are often “dark” blue, so take care to avoid ending up black and blue.
On the Val d’Isère side of the ski area you will find the Pissaillas Glacier. Perched above the resort at a height of 3,488 meters, beneath the summit of the Pointe du Montet, the Pissaillas Glacier offers skiers and snowboarders a mixture of beginner blues and intermediate red runs. The closer of the two glaciers to Val d’Isère, the quickest way to reach the glacier from the town is to make your way to Le Fornet to the west of Val d’Isère. From there it is possible to take a mixture of chair lifts and cable cars directly to the top of the Pissaillas glacier.
Similarly to La Grande Motte, Pissaillas is best appreciated on a clear day. When the weather is poor it is unlikely that either of the glaciers around Val d’Isère will be open. Off-piste skiers can have the opportunity to head off half way down the Moraine run where from there you will encounter a long stretch and enjoy the fresh powder. It is always advisable to stay near the cable cars in this area for safety reasons.
