- What's the best time to come in winter?
The resort is open from early December to early May.
The beginning of the season offers a chance to ski at lower prices with our special ‘premières traces’ and ‘deuxièmes traces’ lift pass and accommodation deals available for the resort opening.
In December, the resort hosts the Première Neige Criterium which brings the world’s best skiers together in Val d’Isère. This is also the month when Val d’Isère bursts into life with all sorts of enchanting activities and entertainment to spread the Magic of Christmas among children and adults alike.
In January, you can take advantage of the resort’s ideal snow conditions, as well as our Classicaval classical music festival and test your limits along the snowy tracks with a Matra e-FatBike during the Matra Snow Cross competition! This unique event is open to all, from novices and fans to seasoned athletes and passionate fatbikers..
There’s no chance of getting bored in Val d’Isère during our February programme which includes the ‘Avaline TraX’ ski-touring race, the cross-country ski race, activities like Airboarding, Yoonering and Snake Sledding, the Snowpark Contest and a torchlight descent with fireworks.
During school term time, in March for instance, the slopes and the village are much quieter. This is also the month of the Val d’Isère Carnival and the second part of our classical music festival, Classicaval.
The month of April brings longer, sunnier days, which makes it the ideal time to explore the slopes on touring skis and make the most of the resort’s sunny terraces. La Scara, a world-class race that attracts the best skiers in the 12-15 years category is another good reason to come in April, as is the Val d’Isère International Adventure & Discovery Film Festival .
- How can I find a place to stay?
Check out our accommodation of all types – hotels, apartments, chalets, etc. – on the accommodation page, where you’ll also find our special offers for holidays at lower prices.
The booking centre, ‘Val d’Isère Réservation’ is at your disposal to help with any accommodation rentals and bookings of hotel rooms, apartments and chalets in Val d’Isère.
- How can I get to Val d’Isère?
Val d’Isère can be reached by car, train or plane. You’ll find full details on the resort access page.
- Which airport or station should I use to come to Val d'Isère?
The nearest airports are Chambéry (2 hours by car) and Grenoble (also 2 hours) with onward travel available at weekends only.
The best airports for onward connections are Lyon and Geneva (both a 3-hour drive away).
The nearest train station is in the town of Bourg Saint Maurice (40 minutes).
- How do I get from the airport or station to Val d’Isère?
- Where in the village or station do I arrive if I come by public transport?
There are 2 bus stops/drop-off points:
One is in the Daille sector, the other at the bus station right in the village centre. You can then use the free shuttle services that run between all hamlets of the resort.
- Is the Iseran pass open? What are the road conditions at the moment?
The Iseran pass is generally closed from the beginning of November until June (the exact dates depend on the state of the roads).
For up-to-date information on road conditions, check the real-time info section of the road conditions page.
- How should I equip my car if I come in winter?
It is compulsory to fit your car with special equipment to travel to Val d’Isère in winter. You have the choice between:
- Snow tyres. Carry snow chains as well, to be prepared in the event of extreme conditions.
- Snow chains fitted to at least two drive wheels.
- Snow socks fitted to at least two drive wheels. In extreme conditions, however, this back-up solution is under no circumstances a substitute for traditional snow chains.
- Where can I park? How much does it cost? How do I reserve a parking space?
You’ll find plenty of outdoor and indoor car parks in Val d’Isère. You can book a parking space ahead of your arrival on the Val d’Isère car parks website.
In the village you’ll find blue zones where you are allowed to park for brief periods.
- What can I do ahead of my winter break to make life easier when I arrive?
Once you’ve booked your accommodation and parking space, you can also reserve beforehand:
- Lift passes,
- Ski rentals,
- Skiing lessons,
- Other activities.
You can also book a table at one of our many restaurants.
- Where are the summer and winter camper van service areas?
In winter, you are not allowed to sleep in your camper van in Val d’Isère.
In summer, the ‘Les Richardes’ campsite and the Crêt camper van area are at your disposal.
Val d’Isère is determined to retain its authentic feel and pioneering spirit, to offer you the real mountain experience!
