Apartment Sylvian

At the very source of the Isère River, where it has sculpted the picturesque Tarentaise valley, Val d'Isère unfolds a charming Alpine gem with a history as rich as its snowfall. Once a secluded hamlet, the village transformed into a renowned winter sports resort, now standing proud as one of the world's ski capitals.

Imagine waking up in Apartment Sylvian, your doorstep literally at the centre of this winter wonderland— right in the vibrant heart of Val d'Isère. As you step outside, the Solaise Express Olympique lift stands a mere 10 metres away, beckoning you to embark on a seamless journey to the slopes.

The allure of Val d'Isère extends beyond its immediate surroundings. The resort, nestled in a valley surrounded by 360° of majestic mountains and larches, spans 4 kilometres from La Daille to Fornet. This charming stretch is a testament to the resort's lively spirit, thriving not only in the winter but also in the vibrant summer months, with the added advantage of proximity to Italy.

Val d'Isère is a paradise for ski enthusiasts, boasting a ski area with various runs suitable for all levels. While the resort maintains its technical reputation, it surprises beginners with 21% green runs and 38% blue runs spread throughout the area, ensuring a fulfilling experience for skiers of every calibre.

What sets Val d'Isère apart is not only its exceptional ski terrain but also its weather phenomenon known as the "east return." Originating from the Italian summits, this meteorological dance blankets the Val d'Isère ski area with abundant snow, surpassing the quality found in other Alpine massifs.

The resort's geographical blessings gift it with one of the longest winter seasons in Europe, spanning from late November to early May. Imagine enjoying an extended skiing adventure, surrounded by the charm of Val d'Isère's legendary establishments like Blizzard, Les Barmes de l'Ours, the Yule, and the Michelin-starred L'Atelier d'Edmond. After a day on the slopes, indulge in the après-ski delights offered by Folie Douce, Baraque, and Chez Jules.

Yet, beyond the glitz and glamour, Val d'Isère remains grounded in the warmth and character of generations of locals. Families have shaped this resort, fostering a community that is not just sporty and demanding but also friendly, engaging, and proud. The annual calendar is dotted with diverse events, from music festivals to sports competitions, creating a dynamic tapestry of experiences that add to the resort's allure. In Val d'Isère, it's not just about skiing; it's about immersing yourself in a living, breathing mountain community, where every season brings new adventures and cherished memories.

Read more about Val d'Isere

Val d’Isere is the oldest of the French ski resorts and a gleaming icon at the end of the valley where the residential town lies. Surrounded by what is arguably some of the most beautiful mountain landscape in the world, the chalet village is centred around a charming baroque church. It’s a lovely place for wandering, taking in the cosy atmosphere and spending quality time with your favourite people.

Val d’Isere is composed of three skiing sections. These are La Daille, Val d’Isere centre and Le Fornet, all of which are linked by a free shuttle service. Alongside Tignes, the resort is part of a wider ski area known as Espace Killy, and a lift pass will get you access to its entirety. Ski season in both resorts stretches as long as May. 

Thanks to its high altitude, Val d’Isere is probably your most snow sure option for skiing in the French Alps. The village rests at 1850 metres and its peak on top of the La Grande Motte glacier is 3456 metres high. Sixty per cent of the resort’s pistes are set above 2200 metres, meaning that the skiing is consistently good but on rare occasions, bad weather can cause the slopes to close. It’s also important to keep in mind that Val d’Isere isn’t the best choice if you’re just finding your feet on the snow, and beginners may well find themselves challenged. On the flipside, Val d’Isere is one of the top choices for experienced skiers and snowboarders, with plenty of challenging black runs (such as the iconic Face the Bellevarde, where the 1992 Olympic men’s downhill was run).

And to go with some of the most exciting and picturesque skiing in France, down in the village you’ll find some amazing bars and restaurants. What better way to celebrate conquering that tricky black run than by indulging in some equally entertaining après-ski? On the mountain itself, you can start your evening with DJ’s and live music at La Folie Douce until the lifts close and then work your way into town.