Skiers (Al)pine for the piste action at Val d'Isere
Val d'Isere and the neighboring lakeside village of Tignes comprise the Espace Killy ski area, a popular destination among the ski and snowboard set, named after alpine ski racer and Olympic gold medalist Jean-Claude Killy, who was born in Val d'Isere. The ski scene in the area dates from the 1930s, while the village, which sits in the Tarentaise Valley at an average elevation of 6,000 feet, is much, much older—humans inhabited the valley even before Roman times. Book a Val d'Isere vacation rental and chase some fresh powder in this tranquil Alpine destination.
Picture-perfect scenery in Val d'Isere
On a warm, sunny day, Le Lac de L'Oullette is the perfect spot for a family picnic. Bring a tripod, too, because you'll want to snap lots of Christmas card-worthy photos by this mountainside lake. And at 8,200 feet above the center of Val d'Isere, the views will take your breath away. If you'd rather stay in town, grab your swimsuits and head to the Centre Aquasportif, where you can do some laps or soak in a hot tub while the tots play with the water cannons. There are trampolines, sports and fitness facilities, and spa services, too.
Kill it on the ski slopes of Espace Killy
Skiing and snowboarding are Val d'Isere's main draw. The staggering amount of piste and off-piste runs in Espace Killy is a magnet for intermediate and advanced skiers, but there's also a snowpark where beginners can get their ski legs. Scores of lifts will take you wherever you want to go. Val d'Isere is known for having one of the most boisterous apres-ski scenes in the Alps. There's live music from 3PM, and the drinking and dancing continues well into the night. Come summertime, activities in the valley include paragliding, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Chilly Val d'Isere—lots of layers are required
Like many towns in the Alps, Val d'Isere is rainier and colder than the rest of France. Starting November, rainfall quickly turns to snow at high elevations, and the snow can linger on the ground well into spring, sometimes as late as May or June. January is the coldest month, when the average temp is 24 degrees. In July and August, temps range from 45 to 63 degrees. Val d'Isere vacation rentals tend to have lower price tags in January, after the Christmas and New Year crowds depart and before the school holidays in February.
Flock to Vanoise National Park for bird-watching
Val d'Isere vacation rentals are a great base for hiking and mountaineering trips to Vanoise National Park, where routes of varying levels will take you through forests and mountain passes for incredible lake and valley views. Set between the Tarentaise and Maurienne valleys, Vanoise is the first national park in France and a sanctuary for the local wildlife, including over 200 species of birds. Stay eagled-eyed on the trail and you might find Alpine ibex and chamois above the tree line, Alpine marmots emerging from hibernation, and yes, golden eagles in flight.
Transportation options to and around Val-d'Isere
The nearest airport is in Turin International Airport (TRN), located 36.8 mi (59.2 km) from the city center.
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