A Guide to the Best Ski Slopes in Val d’Isère

Val d’Isère is the combined ski resort area of Val d’Isère and Tignes in the Tarentaise Valley, Savoie in the French Alps. Connected by 300 km of high-altitude ski slopes, together they make up the sprawling Espace Killy ski area. To get a feel for the scale of the area, click here to browse the map of the Val d’Isère ski runs, ski lifts and villages.

The Val d’Isère ski area is admittedly a little unconventional – in that instead of the easier terrain being at the bottom of the hill and the steeper slopes at higher altitudes, the opposite is true. For beginners looking for accessible pistes from the main town of Val d’Isère, we suggest getting the lifts up to the top of the Solaise ski area and giving the sprawling, high-altitude Madeleine and Marais pistes a go. Or, if you’re staying in the hamlet of La Daille, the gentle greens from the top of the Borsat Chair are delightful. There are even 8 free lifts for you to use in the Tignes area specifically. Then at the end of the day – take a ride back down in the lifts for a safe way to arrive at après ski.

For families – the Val Kids fun area boasts an igloo and even a mini-zipline. At the Aquasportif your little ones will even be able to drive electric mini snowmobiles! If you’re an intermediate skier looking for some on-piste fun in the Solaise ski area head for the Glacier Chair where you’ll be able to enjoy sloping, varied blue runs all the way back into the main town – or for those seeking out a peaceful slope, take the bus to the Laisinant chair in the middle of Le Fornet and Val d’Isère to enjoy the long (often deserted) red run. Looking for minimal lifts and maximum ski time in Tignes? Try Aiguille Percee to enjoy the famous ‘Eye of the Needle.’ From here you can ski down 4 yummy blue runs all the way into Tignes Les Brevieres.

With a world-wide reputation for expert and off-piste skiers and being a spot that brings new and intermediate skiers back year and year again – it’s a wonderful choice to get your fix of alpine charm. Val d’Isère isn’t just a vibrant place to stay, it’s a vibrant place to ski too.

If you’re planning a winter getaway, be sure to check out our portfolio of luxury holiday chalets in Val d’Isère.