Val d’Isère: the place to be this winter

Continuing to make its mark as one of the top ski resorts in the world, Val d’Isère is one of the first French resorts to welcome back travellers for the new season and will be celebrating its return with free ski passes for under 8’s, new luxury accommodation such as Club Med’s fully renovated and first exclusive collection resort, two new local restaurants and new eco initiatives.

Luxury accommodation at the new Club Med Exclusive Collection Resort

Adding to Val d’Isère’s already extensive accommodation offering, the first Club Med Exclusive Collection resort in the Alps is due to open in December 2022, following a full renovation of the brand’s existing hotel to offer the option of an all-inclusive ski holiday. As part of the Exclusive Collection, the hotel boasts 215 Deluxe bedrooms and suites, two restaurants, a wine cellar and bar with live entertainment and wellness experiences such as an energising yoga course which looks over the beautiful mountains.

The resort is also introducing two luxury slope-side ski chalets from Hip Hideouts, the boutique chalet company, each sleeping 10 people. Chalet Cala Slopeside in the heart of Val d’Isère and Chalet Loup in Le Fornet.  Val d’Isère’s gourmet offering is expanding even further with two new local restaurants, René, a family-owned spot with stunning views of the mountainscape and L’Empreinte Avaline which boasts a 150-seat bistro serving fresh, seasonal dishes.

First Tracks Weekend

The start of the season will begin with the annual First Tracks Weekend (26th & 27th November 2022) and Ski Force Winter Tour, which gives guests an exclusive opportunity to test and try out the latest and most high-tech ski and snowboard equipment for the upcoming season.

Under 8’s go free

Appealing to all ages, Val d’Isère takes great pride in its Family Plus Label, which it has held since 2009. This winter Val d’Isère has gone a step further to become even more family friendly, offering free lift passes for visitors under the age of 8.

Events for the season

This year, Val d’Isère will see many exciting events taking place with a fully packed schedule of festivities including the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup in December, the Magic of Christmas week where Val d’Isère turns into a idyllic Winter Wonderland, and Classicaval in January and March- an exclusive classical music festival held in the village centre and ski area.

Spring also sees the return of the International Adventure and Discovery Film Festival for the 26th year, which showcases an inspiring selection of documentaries and exhibitions, whilst Evolution 2, the ski and adventure school, has introduced half-days of tandem speed-riding with an expert instructor and new specially designed wings.

Eco initiatives

Following a universal call-out for environmental change amongst the global warming crisis, Val d’Isère has made several commitments to limit its impact. For this season the 39 slope groomers will be powered by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel, aligning with Compagnie des Alpes’ commitments. HVO is 100% renewable and reduces CO2 emissions by 90% and fine particle emissions by 65%.

This season also sees the introduction of two electric buses which will reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of the service by 90%, with the rest of the bus service moving to HVO biofuel. By 2025 Val d’Isère aims to have 15 electric buses running between the village and its surrounding hamlets.

The Val d’Isère Winter Season opens on the 26th November. Early-bird lift pass, from 26th November to 16th December 2022. Day passes start from €52.

valdisere.com