The best insider tips for Val d'Isère
The winter sports paradise of Val d'Isère in the French Alps, located on the Italian border, is considered one of the best deep snow areas in the world.
February 7, 2023
Original charm
Val d'Isère
©iStock
Val d'Isère is a destination for skiing until May. Below the summit of the Pointe du Montet there is a small summer ski area at 3,400 meters on the Grande Motte glacier - up to 20 kilometers of slopes are also open in summer, there are five lifts available. During the cold season, 153 slopes are available with a total length of 300 kilometers and 1,900 meters of vertical drop. The tranquil community of Val d'Isère, with its 1,700 inhabitants, has largely retained its original charm: here you are in a real mountain village with wooden houses complete with slate roofs and a baroque church; and the new buildings are also traditionally designed. The atmosphere, on the other hand, is cosmopolitan - there are hip hotels that attract a young crowd, and there are luxurious chalets as well. Val d'Isère is considered particularly family-friendly and was recently awarded the "Family Plus" label.
Where to Go
Le Refuge de Solaise
Dreamlike view offers the hotel "Le Refuge de Solaise" ©beigestellt
An accommodation of a different kind, made for mountaineers with varying needs: The refuge at 2,551 meters above sea level has 16 luxurious guest rooms, four apartments and a dormitory with 14 beds. In addition, "Le Refuge de Solaise" offers two restaurants, a bar, and a wellness area with a magnificent view of the valley.
Le Refuge de Solaise
Téléphérique de Solaise, 73150 Val-d'Isère, France
Tel.: +33 4 58 83 00 90
Web: lerefuge-valdisere.com
Price: double including breakfast from €290
Le K2 Chogori
Classy and classic rooms are offered by Le K2 Chogori ©provided
Just like its sister hotel in Courchevel, "Le K2 Chogori" impresses with its ideal ski location and a spacious spa. Inside the five-star hotel, you are surrounded by elegant décor, reminiscent of Tibetan aesthetics in its simplicity and the originality of the materials.
Le K2 Chogori
143 Av. du Prariond, 73150 Val-d'Isère, France
Tel.: +33 4 79 04 20 20
Web: lek2chogori.com
Price: double including breakfast from €280
Airelles Val d'Isère
©Fabrice Rambert
With its spectacular hillside location, impeccable service, and playful mix of historically-inspired interiors, "Airelles," which opened in 2020, is a new addition that many guests have already discovered.
Airelles Val d'Isère
145 Rue de la Poste, 73150 Val-d'Isère, France
Tel.: +33 4 79 22 22 22
Web: airelles.com
Price: double incl. breakfast from €290
Where to eat
La Cucùcina
Spectacular interior and view at La Cucùcina ©provided
This new Italian restaurant with gorgeous views is a must-visit.
La Cucùcina
Télécabine de, 73150 Val-d'Isère, France
Tel.: +33 4 79 06 07 17
Web: lafoliedouce.com
Altiplano 2.0
Exclusive cuisine at the Altiplano 2.0 restaurant ©Jerome Morin
The hotel "Le K2 Chogori" presents an unusual gourmet concept with the restaurant "L'Altiplano 2.0": At impressive heights, gourmets will find imaginative dishes from the South American continent - the Alps are culinarily linked with the Andes.
Altiplano 2.0
143 Av. du Prariond, 73150 Val-d'Isère, France
Tel.: +33 4 79 04 08 20
Web: lek2chogori.com
Gigi
©Romain Ricard
The boutique hotel "Le Refuge de Solaise" is home to this restaurant. In terms of culinary art, it is inspired by Italy: Signature dishes include gratinated cheese called "Gratinati" - and the truffle pizza is also more than worth the climb.
Gigi
Vanoise National Park, Le Refuge de Solaise, Chemin de, 73150 Val-d'Isère, France
Tel.: +33 4 58 83 00 91
Web: gigi-restaurant.com
L'Atelier d'Edmond
©provided
In his culinary atelier, Benoît Vidal creates upscale French dishes worthy of two stars in the Guide Michelin. In the first-class menus, you'll find an exciting contrast between the rugged mountain landscape and the smoothness of the soft textures of the dishes.
L'Atelier d'Edmond
29 Rue du Fornet, 73150 Val-d'Isère, France
Tel.: +33 4 79 00 00 82
Web: atelier-edmond.com
Back to overview: These are the most popular ski hotspots of the season
This article appeared in the Falstaff TRAVEL issue Winter 2022/23.