Critérium de la Première Neige
In early December Val d'Isère opens the Alpine Skiing World Cup season with giant slalom and slalom races by the world's best skiers on the famous Face de Bellevarde slope.
PlizioGo
A hearty baked dish of potatoes, reblochon cheese, lardons, and onions, well-suited for warming up after skiing. Widely available in traditional Savoyard restaurants.
A classic shared melted cheese pot, good for groups. Look for cozy, wood-paneled alpine chalets in the old village center.
A traditional alpine herbal liqueur, often served as a strong digestif at the end of a rich mountain meal.
The main avenue is lined with premium sports boutiques offering the latest technical winter clothing and ski equipment.
Visit a local fromagerie in the village center to buy Beaufort or Reblochon; they can usually vacuum-pack it for your journey home.
The highest and most traditional hamlet in the resort, offering stone and wood chalets away from the bustling center.
An easy on the eye high-altitude lake. In summer, it's a calm hiking spot; in winter, a vast, quiet snow-covered expanse accessible by the Solaise gondola.
Water temperature…
In early December Val d'Isère opens the Alpine Skiing World Cup season with giant slalom and slalom races by the world's best skiers on the famous Face de Bellevarde slope.
In late spring Val d'Isère celebrates the close of its long ski season with concerts, apres-ski events and entertainment in the resort centre.
Val-d'Isère stands as one of the world's most prestigious ski destinations, forming the Espace Killy alongside neighboring Tignes. The village has masterfully preserved its mountain heritage by mandating traditional construction using local stone, timber, and slate, avoiding the concrete aesthetics of modern resorts. For athletes, the town is synonymous with prestige: the 'Face de Bellevarde' run, built for the 1992 Olympics, is among the most challenging descents on the World Cup circuit. Its high elevation and north-east facing slopes ensure superb snow conditions from early winter until late May. Beyond the slopes, Val-d'Isère is famous for its sophisticated après-ski culture, luxury wellness centers, and Michelin-starred dining, attracting a global clientele.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -8 | -8 | -4 | 1 | 6 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 8 | 4 | -2 | -7 |
| Rain mm | 73 | 57 | 70 | 69 | 103 | 89 | 79 | 78 | 65 | 71 | 88 | 79 |
See what it looks like near Val-d'Isère right now.
Val-d'Isere: Village · 0.1 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Your day begins in the historic heart of Val-d'Isère. Discover the village's fascinating transformation at the museum before enjoying the Baroque serenity of Saint-Bernard Church. A scenic walk takes you upstream to the hamlet of Le Fornet, where time seems to stand still among the stone houses. After visiting the nearby waterfall, take the cable car up to Lac de l'Ouillette to end your day surrounded by breathtaking Alpine panoramas at 2500 meters.
Morning starts undercover at the local museum. Midday brings a dry pause within the thick stone walls of the church. Afternoon reveals a moody, misty side of the waterfall and stone hamlets. Evening by the lake offers fresh, rain-washed air and serene mountain views.
Morning warmth in the museum provides a cozy start to the day. Midday light sparkles on the fresh snow surrounding the historic church. Afternoon strolls through Le Fornet feel like a journey into a winter fairy tale. Evening comes early, with the sun setting over the frozen lake surface.
For cyclists, Val-d'Isère is a paradise ranging from legendary mountain passes to adrenaline-fueled downhills. Start with the climb to Col de l'Iseran, a bucket-list challenge for road cyclists. For a more relaxed experience, use the lifts to reach Rocher de Bellevarde, the heart of the Bikepark. Enjoy a thrilling descent toward Lac de l'Ouillette and explore the pristine nature on the edge of Vanoise National Park, where Alpine flora and fauna await.
Morning ride starts on damp roads heading toward Le Fornet. Midday climbing to Iseran in the rain demands focus and reliable brakes. Afternoon brings dramatic views as clouds cling to the Bellevarde ridges. Evening concludes the wet journey with a cool breeze by the lake.
Morning tires crunch over packed snow on the way to Le Fornet. Midday finds Iseran a vast white wilderness, best tackled with a fatbike. Afternoon at Bellevarde offers panoramic views of the bustling ski resort below. Evening brings a sharp, cold silence to the Vanoise trails.
By car, you can unlock the full splendor of the Savoyard Alps surrounding Val-d'Isère. Start early with a drive up to Col de l'Iseran before the tourist traffic builds up. After a stop in the rustic Le Fornet, explore the center and its history museum. Utilize the modern ski lifts to reach the peaks of Bellevarde and the idyllic Lac de l'Ouillette without the hike. Conclude your day with a peaceful drive into the Manchet Valley, the gateway to Vanoise National Park.
Morning wipers beat a steady rhythm climbing the Iseran Pass. Midday reveals a quiet, rain-soaked Le Fornet, its stone architecture glistening. Afternoon provides a welcome dry escape inside the local museum. Evening lights reflect beautifully in the puddles along the lakeside road.
Morning drive passes between towering walls of snow toward Iseran. Midday reveals Le Fornet buried under a thick white blanket. Afternoon finds the museum a warm and welcoming sanctuary. Evening brings a magical glow as winter lights illuminate the resort streets.
