Val d’Isere, facts and figures

Since the Mid-Thirties, Val d’Isere has been a fully operational and internationally renowned ski resort, with some of the most varied, exciting skiing in the world. From beginners and children to experienced powder hounds, the Espace Killy, linking the two resorts of Val d’Isere and Tignes, and their satellite villages offers you more than 300km of marked pistes and endless off piste.

Situated at the convergence of two valleys, and accessed through the inspiring dominance of the gorges de la daille, you enter a winter wonderland than feels entirely removed from reality, and the perfect place for a week’s luxury skiing holiday.

With its mixture of modern and traditional architecture, the village of Val d’Isere mixes Savoyarde charm with world-class amenities. Shops, bars and restaurants abound on the main street, whilst a short walk into the heart of the old village takes you back into the old world of the village’s three hundred year old history.

Within this beautiful village lie the 5 exclusive chalets that make up le Chardon Mountain Lodges. Located at the top of Legettaz, a short walk or drive from the centre of town, in a perfect ski in ski out location, the chalets represent the ethos of the resort: quiet charm, modern amenities and a discreet service that ensures you will want for nothing.

Whether you are coming to Val d’Isere to be on the mountain from the moment the lifts open to the second they close, to enjoy long lunches and frequent the numerous bars and restaurants, or simply to relax and soak up the atmosphere, the resort has something for everyone, and we at le Chardon Mountain Lodges can tailor make your trip to ensure that you will have the holiday of your dreams.

300km of slopes Green runs : 20 Blue runs : 60 Red runs : 35 Black runs : 16 Cross country trails : 44 km 2 Snowparks

2 Glaciers Ski lifts : 90 10 free ski lifts Altitudes Val d'Isère Altitude : 1850 m Highest altitude (Grande Motte) : 3450 m Lowest altitude (Brevieres) : 1550 m

 

Events in Val d'Isère

A full calendar of events for the coming season will be published here soon

Lift Passes and Ski Hire

Lift Pass

Last season, the Espace Killy went 'Hands Free' - meaning a stop to undressing at the lifts! And what's even better is that you only need a photo for stays of 8 days or longer. To see the current lift pass tarifs, please visit the Tourist Office website.

Ski & Snowboard Equipment Hire

Our ski hire partner at Chardon Mountain Lodges is Snowberry – the newest and most exclusive specialist ski hire shop in Val d’Isère. Snowberry offer all kinds of extra services designed to make your equipment hire experience as smooth and efficient as possible. And exclusive to Chardon Mountain Lodges, you don’t even have to leave the chalets to rent your equipment – Snowberry do it all in the chalet while you sit back and relax. Check out www.snowberry-valdisere.com for more information.

 

Ski Schools and Guides in Val d'Isere

Winner of the 2003 Ski School of the Year at the Golden Ski Awards, Top Ski ski school was founded in 1976 in Val d’Isère by a chap called Patrick Zimmer who still steers the ship today!

The inspiration behind this ski school was to provide French and international clients with a ski school with standards unparalleled in Val d’Isère and indeed France as a whole at the time. Top Ski is the original independent ski school in France.

Top Ski specialise in off-piste, private guiding and telemark skiing. The instructors are second-to-none and chosen for their skills and personalities along with their high standards of professionalism.

'Top Ski has a cult following. The secret of it¹s success is that it has remained small. They take groups of six skiers off piste in the mornings and guarantee to find them the best snow in the resort. They also give instruction on piste technique and arrange ski tours and heliskiing.' Peter Hardy, Telegraph

Have a look for yourselves at www.topskival.com

Chardon Mountain Lodges work with Ski Excel during the Summer. During July & August, Ski Excel leave behind the green slopes in Courchevel where they work during the Winter and spend time teaching on the glacier in Tignes. Our Clients have enjoyed the wonderful chalets and combined a Summer/Winter holiday for a sensational experience.

For more information on Ski Excel, have a look in www.skiexcel.com

Apres Ski Val

La Folie Douce
For après-ski on the mountain you could start at the Folie Douce restaurant/bar. Live music and entertainment makes it a definite must. How can you turn down something that is translated as ‘The Soft Madness’!
www.lafoliedouce.com

Victors
Victors bar is guaranteed to revitalize your spirits after a day on the hill whether you choose to go for an après-ski beer or for their famous “2 for 1” cocktail hours (8-10).  You have been warned…

Bananas
An favourite old haunt for some, Bananas is literally at the bottom of the Solaise and Bellevard chairlifts and it can be quite difficult to walk past at the end of a hard days skiing. It is a lively bar with young and happy staff.

Bars & Restaurants in Val d'Isere

La Belle Etoile
Situated in the centre of town La Belle Etoile is one of our firm favourites. This restaurant provides an atmosphere and service which is second-to-none and really is worth investigating. Serving a fusion of French and Asian food the menu is truly mouthwatering.

Etable D’Alain
Situated at the top of town this restaurant is part of the local farm - Ferme de l’Adroit,. This was new to us last season. During the day the farm is open to all visitors so a great place for the kids to see the. The menu is traditional Savoyarde and the décor adds to the homely ambiance.

La Casa Scara 
A family run Italian restaurant, La Casa Scara is situated in the old town right opposite the church. The atmosphere is great and the staff friendly and always smiling!  The menu is varied and includes traditional Italian dishes along with more classic dishes. The tiramisu is heavenly…

Sur La Montagne
Whether it be a leisurely coffee in the sunshine or an evening meal, Sur La Montagne provides a great place to do both these things. Situated on the main street it is a perfect suntrap and many a bottle of rosé can be enjoyed over a tasty lunch. The menu is varied and interesting and the first floor is non-smoking which is good for adults and children alike!