Ski Information for Val d’Isere
Bellevarde
Bellevarde is perhaps the most famous of slopes at Val d’Isère. The Location has a superb black run that looms over the town with a summit of around 2,807 meters. La Face De Bellevarde is one of the more famous black runs within the Alps. The Bellevarde has historically been used for a range of different tournaments, including the 1992 Winter Olympics as well as the 2009 Alpine Ski World Championships. Getting up there is easy too, thanks to the high-tech cable car called “The Olympique” which can reach visitors to the top in just under six minutes, making it one of the most efficient cable cars in the world. Those who like a challenge can try the Epaule du Charvet, at Rocher De Bellevarde, a black run which provides a sharper, sterner challenge than La Face.
Le Fornet
Le Fornet is a nice little hamlet that acts as a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Those who want a change can head to Le Fornet for skiing or hiking, since its readily available via a regular free bus from the town or directly from the Solaise slopes. It is possible, with a series of different lifts, to reach the intermediate summer ski area of the resort, which is just beneath the impressive 3,500-meter Pointe du Montet, on the gorgeous Pissaillas glacier.
Le Solaise
Le Solaise is the centre of the skiing area and is usually the busiest as it is ideal for beginners. Le Solaise is divided into three main areas; First, the Glaciers bowl, L and Mattis - Glaciers’ bowl, “L” and “Mattis” areas offer easy skiing on sunny wide slopes. Going a bit more into the intermediate area, Madeleine, Arcelle and Manchet pistes are slopes with a bit more steepness and challenges. Last but not least, the Tete de Solaise is ideal for experienced skiers and can be quite a challenge when skiing down to the down to the village in the late afternoon. This trail is not easy so beginners should take the chairlift down to the village instead.
Ski Schools
The main draw for Val d’Isere is the skiing. The destination has a range of off-piste areas for skiing or snowboarding apart from the Espace Killy to ski or go tobogganing in. The skiing destination is well known for its ski tours. Ski down or through the pistes, or tackle a back country route to make the most of your vacation at Val d’Isere. A number of English speaking ski schools, including ICE, a BASI Partner training center, runs Gap-year courses, instructor training and performance courses for all levels of skiers. "New Generation" Ski school variety of lessons for both the beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The service offers adult group sessions, teen group sessions, and children group sessions along with off piste introduction and advanced skiing courses for those who are interested. It is advised to book a program before hand, especially during peak months. Out of the 18 ski schools at the ski resort, Oxygene ski school is undoubtedly the crowd favorite. The Ski School has English-speaking instructors, and offers a number of classes for different skill levels. This is the preferred ski school for kids and adults. "Alpine Experience" A team of experienced ski professionals who specialize in off-piste guiding in Espace Killy and its surrounding areas. One of the team members also includes Henry Schniewind, the creator of HAT, which is now world-renowned for avalanche presentations in UK,
Europe and
USA &
Canada. "Mountain Masters" A specialist ski school, run by British and
French ski instructors offering classes for adults and children alike.