Val d’Isère’s expansive ski domain is divided into four distinct sectors, each offering its own unique charm and terrain to suit skiers of every level. The Solaise area, accessible via the Solaise cable car or Solaise Express chairlift from the heart of the village, is particularly well-suited to beginners and intermediates due to its wide, gentle pistes, making it an ideal setting for perfecting technique and building confidence.
On the opposite side of the resort, Bellevarde rises to 2,827 metres and is reached via the Olympique cable car or Bellevarde Express. Here, skiers can warm up on the rolling blue runs of Grand Pré and Club des Sports before attempting the legendary Face de Bellevarde, a challenging black run crafted for the men’s Olympic downhill event in 1992.
For those in search of quieter slopes and exceptional snow conditions, Le Fornet is a hidden gem. Accessible via the Fornet cable car or Leissières chairlift from Solaise, this tranquil area boasts scenic pistes and the stunning Cascade red run, offering a satisfying blend of varied terrain and reliable snow cover.
La Daille, positioned at the valley’s eastern gateway, offers swift access via a state-of-the-art 10-person gondola to the vibrant Folie Douce, or the funicular that ascends to Bellevarde’s summit. It’s also home to the exhilarating OK World Cup run, an ideal choice for thrill-seekers.
First-time skiers will appreciate the thoughtfully designed beginners’ area at the top of Solaise, complete with progressive magic carpets and gentle terrain. Once confident, they can graduate to the long, flowing green runs from the Olympique cable car. Intermediate skiers will find ample blue and red runs across the resort, with Solaise offering more forgiving pistes and Bellevarde providing steeper, more technical terrain. Experts, meanwhile, can tackle formidable black runs such as the Epaule du Charvet, an ungroomed mogul field that promises to challenge even the most advanced skiers.
Beyond the marked pistes, Val d’Isère is renowned for its off-piste opportunities, from steep couloirs to sweeping alpine meadows. La Banane remains a popular descent for powder enthusiasts, though we recommend rising early to enjoy its untouched beauty.
Key Information
• Resort Altitude: 1,850m
• Slopes Altitude: 1,850 – 3,488m
• Pistes (Espace Killy): 300 km
• Lifts: 85
• Nearest Airport: Chambery – 145 km (2hrs 30mins)
• Blue Slopes: 57%
• Red Slopes: 25%
• Black Slopes: 18%
