Your wish list in Val d’Isère
Perched at an altitude of 1850 m in the Massif de la Vanoise, Val d’Isère is both a typical Savoyard village and a ski resort of world renown.
Discovering an authentic but modern village
At the top of La Haute-Tarentaise, at the crossroads of L’Isère and the valley of Le Manchet, the village of Val d’Isère has preserved all its former charm with an 11th-century baroque church, stone and timber chalets with slate roofs. It is also a resort much appreciated for its après-ski. Strolling along its magnificent central street lined with boutiques and restaurants at nightfall, while admiring the illuminated Face de Bellevarde, is quite simply magical.
Descending the legendary Piste de Bellevarde
With a drop of 960 m, this mind-blowing black slope reserved for well-seasoned skiers is one of the most legendary in the Alps. Dreamt up by France’s triple Olympic champion Jean Claude Killy and designed by Bernhard Russi of Switzerland, La Face de Bellevarde has already hosted trials for the Alpine Ski World Cup, but also the World Championships and Olympic Games! Skiing down this run early in the morning on immaculate snow is totally priceless.
Visiting the National Park of La Vanoise
The first national park created in France in 1963, this natural site offers the loveliest panoramic views of Val d’Isère. Its hundreds of kilometers of signposted trails, its fauna and flora, and Le Grand Casse peaking at an altitude of 3855 m, make it a favourite playground among hikers. In winter, it offers grandiose scenery resembling the Far North, to be explored on a snowshoe excursion. You will also certainly get the chance to encounter ibexes, chamois and marmots.
Introduction to freestyle skiing
On the other side of Bellevarde, at the top of the Mont Blanc chairlift, at an altitude of 2500 m, the Val d’Isère snowpark proposes a wide variety of modules dedicated to both beginners and experts. They include 25 skiing lines, 3 boardercrosses and as many opportunities to try new figures. On skis or a snowboard, freestyle sensations are yours for the taking!
Floating in a frozen lake
This winter, learn all about ice floating in the crystalline waters of the lake of L’Ouillette. A mind-blowing activity imported from Scandinavian countries, in which you float in sensorial insulation. Wearing an all-over, waterproof Neoprene suit, you simply step into the water, contemplate the sky and the surrounding mountains and, finally, let go. A one-off experience, amazing, but above all soothing.
Vanille & Lilas in Val d’Isère
After La Bastide, Château de La Messardière and Les Airelles, a Vanille & Lilas boutique opens its doors this winter at Airelles Val d’Isère. Come discover a selection of lifestyle items by insider designers offering exclusive expertise. Unique handcrafted objects, ready-to-wear and accessories for men and women, jewellery, the fine art of living and gift ideas await your visit at this enticing new address.
