It’s not just the pretty, chocolate-box chalets that make this traditional French Alpine village a hotspot for jet-set skiers. Since the 1930s, when visitors first took to the slopes, Val-d’Isère has hosted world-class skiing competitions at the highest echelons of the professional ski scene. This little town is also known for its chalet architecture and its après-ski scene, with some lively spots getting things started as early as 3 p.m. in high season.

The slopes cater for every standard of skier, with everything from easy greens to high-octane black runs, but the real pros here come for Val-d’Isère’s off-piste terrain, which is said to be some of the best in the world. If you don’t want to ski, there’s still plenty of entertainment, with more than 70 shops and dozens of spas, bars, and restaurants. Summer visits are also quickly increasing in popularity due to the area’s excellent hiking, biking, rafting, and horse-riding.

Chambéry-Savoie Airport (CMF) is about an hour and 45 minutes from Val-d’Isère by car, while Geneva airport (GVA) is 2.5 hours’ drive away. But whether you arrive in the area having flown or taken the train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice in the valley below, you’ll still need to traverse the steep, winding mountain road to the resort (40 minutes from Bourg-Saint-Maurice) by car, taxi, or bus. Once in Val-d’Isère, if you don’t bring a car, there are ski busses to take you between the lifts and around town, as well as plenty of taxis on hand.

The ski lifts are open from late November until early May, which is a great time to book a Val-d’Isère accommodation. It’s also possible to ski in summer, from June to early July, on the Pissaïllas glacier when the resort is a lot quieter. High season is never short of events, such as the town’s Super Héro Carnival, costumes highly encouraged upon attendance, or the variety of classical music concerts.

As the ski season winds down in April, the town hosts its own international film festival, which features action films recorded and submitted by adventurers worldwide. Later in the year, when the snow has melted, the alpine flowers are out, and the bikers and hikers are in town. Summer’s high points include Bastille Day and the many yoga festivals and events held from June to July. You can even enter the town’s own skyrunning event.

Ski Lessons

However competent you are on the snow, in Val-d’Isère there’s always an instructor on hand to help you improve your skiing technique. From group sessions for tots on the nursery slopes to one-on-one sessions for the most advanced skiers, Val-d’Isère is known for having instruction to suit every level, whether you’re looking to master a turn or ski with the pros for a day. There are even some free ski lifts to help encourage beginners to learn.

Vanoise National Park

The country’s first national park hosts a rich environment perfectly preserved for years since its founding in the early 1960s. Home to plenty of flora and fauna such as deer, eagles, and the adorable marmot, you can enjoy a hike up to the Refuge du Prariond on a warm day or fish for trout in Ouillette Lake. Outdoor picnicking or lounging opportunities are abundant, and the park is easily accessible by car.

Climbing

Experienced climbers come here to get their hooks into the mountain face for rock or ice climbing. For beginners, there are lessons on more gentle terrain, ranging from half-day lessons for groups to full-day, private, guided climbs. The town also has its own indoor climbing centre with a 12-metre vertical wall that extends over 135 square miles.