Val d’Isere: Spring Break Skiing in the French Alps

The quaint, historic center of Val d’Isere was a Savoyard mountain village long before skiing made its debut. Dating back to the 17th century, Val d’Isere opened to ski tourism in the 1930, but the charm and the gentle kindness of the people you will meet here exude authenticity. From the amazing hearty, regional cuisine, to delicate tasting menus, the cuisine and hospitality are exceptional. The village itself has expanded from the historic center with modern facilities, shopping, and après-ski options in the traditional stone architecture style and wood details of its past.

Village historic center at night

Most likely, you have arrived in Val d’Isere for the main event: the vast ski terrain to explore. Whether you are experienced or a novice, Val d’Isere is a destination that will surely fulfill your spring skiing daydreams. There are plenty of intermediate and expert trails to indulge in while taking in the spring sunshine. There are also learning areas mid-mountain, a short gondola ride from the base, where beginners can get high on the mountain to take in the alpine views.

Le Yule Hotel and Spa

Le Yule indoor spa pool

Le Yule Hotel village view

Once you ascend by gondola or chairlift from the valley floor, you pass the tree line and find yourself in a sea of white with jaw-dropping views. The gondola and lift system is one of the best you will find anywhere, nearly all new and updated. They efficiently get skiers up the mountain, and you will encounter nearly no lift queues in spring as you breeze through to your next trail.

Chairlift views

Lunch is an event while skiing in the Alps, and particularly so in France, from the elaborate multi-course experiences complete with ski and boot valets—you're given slippers during your meal—to casual on-mountain spots for a crepe or a glass of wine to go. Everything in between is on offer as well, and at a relaxed pace and atmosphere, all while offering outdoor bars and sundecks with chairs to take a brief rest before afternoon skiing.

Restaurant Le Refuge sundeck during lunch

Après-ski is another category the French excel at—they invented the term, after all. Whether it is on mountain at the raucous and wildly entertaining La Folie Douce or at a more loungey vibe at La Grande Ourse near the base, all options are available for unwinding at the end of the day. Many on-mountain après-ski are expertly placed next to gondolas for revelers to download back to town after enjoying. Val d’Isere is also known for nightlife lasting into the early morning hours.

Indoor dining and show at Cucùcina at La Folie Douce

Things to do in Val d’Isere

• Skiing

• Snowboarding

• Cross-country skiing

• Snowshoeing

• Ice skating at Open-Air Village Rink

• Paragliding

• Torchlight night skiing

• Ice climbing

• Ice floating

• Fat bike trails

• Le Village Perdu “Lost Village” on-slope treehouse playground and relaxation area

• The Indoor Aquasportif Centre

• Sledding for children

• Dog sledding excursions

• Heliskiing tours

Pro tips & do not miss

• Hire a private guide: If it is your first time in Val d’Isere, hire a guide for your first day to familiarize yourself with the mountain and get the most out of your days skiing. The guide will tell you where the snow is best in the morning, the late afternoon, and so on. They will also direct you to trails for the following days based on your skill level.

• Skiing La Grande Motte Glacier in Tignes: Do not miss this experience on the Tignes side of Espace Killy. Take the Funiculaire du Perce-Neige underground (mountain) funicular to the Téléphériques de la Grande Motte aerial tram to the highest point and views. On a clear sunny day, the views are beyond spectacular and usually have fresh snow even late in the season due to its high elevation.

• Take the Leissières Express Chairlift in Val d'Isère, termed the "rollercoaster lift.” A thrilling, high-speed lift ride that crosses a ridge connecting to Tignes. It is known for its intense, steep drop once over the ridge and its expansive views.

Where to dine in Val d’Isere

• La Grande Ourse: Quaint, cozy, historic interiors with lively entertainment and a chic outdoor sundeck

• L’Aigle d’or: Retro chic, modern Savoyard restaurant at the Experimental Chalet Hotel

• Palladio: Impeccable alpine interiors and atmosphere to indulge in Italian fare

• La Table de l'Ours: Elegant, chic, Michelin-starred dining in a luxe chalet-style setting

• La Mourra: A Japanese- and Asian-influenced menu in a beautiful interior setting

• Restaurant L’Alpine: Authentic Savoyard restaurant with cozy interiors and friendly hosts

• La Baraque: Lively bar with small plates, cocktails, and a live music schedule

• Le Garage Brasserie: Casual, cool vibe for Neapolitan pizzas and burgers

• Restaurant Le Refuge: French cuisine and a beautiful outdoor deck to dine on sunny spring days

• Cucùcina at La Folie Douce: Festive Italian dining with a show featuring dancers and singers

• L’Enticelle: French fare located mountainside near the base with a beautiful sundeck

• Le Peau de Vache: Chic cowhide-accented, candlelit interiors slopeside, featuring burgers, beef, and wine

Where to dine in Tignes

• Ursus: Spectacular Michelin-starred dining with modern Alpine cuisine in a rustic chic setting

• Le Panoramic: Beautiful high-altitude dining located atop the funicular, below the Grande Motte Glacier, offering breathtaking views and amazing grilled meats and French cuisine

Eat and drink like locals

• Mont d’Or rôti (baked Mont d’Or) or boîte chaude (hot box) cheese dish is a must-try on any menu. It typically consists of Mont d’Or or Vacherin cheese baked in a wooden cheese box served with potatoes and charcuterie.

• Genepi is a local liqueur often offered as an herbal digestif after dinner and made from local mountain herbs. A must-try at the end of a Savoyard meal.

• Le jour de marché (market day) in Val d’Isere is on Monday in the village center. It's the perfect opportunity to shop for local epicurean delicacies and artisanal crafts.

Further afield

• During the drive from Geneva to Val d’Isere, plan a stop in Annecy for a short stroll and light meal. Annecy is centered around a stunning lake with picturesque canals and bridges to explore the charming, medieval old town known as the “Venice of the Alps.”

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our France page.