Chalet Mélodie

Nestled at the source of the Isere river, carving the picturesque Tarentaise valley, Val-d'Isère stands out as a gem among ski resorts. When choosing a destination for a skiing holiday, one might prioritise the quality of the ski area, the village atmosphere, service excellence, top-notch accommodations, or a touch of authenticity. Val-d'Isère, however, is a rare find that effortlessly combines all of these and more!

Beyond its technical reputation, Val-d'Isère surprises with its inclusivity, featuring 21% green runs and 38% blue runs across the entire area, making it an ideal playground for beginners. Yet, it truly comes alive as the paradise for freeriders and ski touring enthusiasts, offering an abundance of off-piste adventures. Partnered with Tignes, the combined ski area forms the renowned Espace Killy, known for being one of the largest, most technical, and diverse ski domains globally.

A highlight not to be missed is the mythical Face of Bellevarde, an awe-inspiring descent connecting the rock of Bellevarde to the snowfront in the centre, providing a thrilling challenge for skilled skiers. The vast Bellevarde massif allows easy transitions to Tignes or a return to La Daille. 

What sets Val-d'Isère apart is not just its skiing prowess but also its snowfall that's the envy of European counterparts. The meteorological phenomenon known as the "east return" from the Italian summits ensures abundant snow, offering superior quality compared to other Alpine resorts at equivalent altitudes. This favourable weather pattern grants Val-d'Isère one of the longest winter seasons in Europe, extending from late November to early May.

Preserving its pre-skiing village charm, Val-d'Isère maintains an authentic Savoyard character. Year-round, the village buzzes with diverse events, from music festivals to sports competitions, creating a vibrant atmosphere that beckons visitors to immerse themselves in the heart of the Savoyard spirit. Val-d'Isère is not just a ski destination; it's an enchanting blend of tradition, adventure, and community.

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.