Val d'Isere
Val d’Isere is linked with Tignes to create the Esapce Killy ski area; a vast and varied ski area which has the additional benefit of being very snow sure. The après ski and nightlife are famous worldwide and attract a vibrant young crowd who certainly know how to have fun both on and off the slopes.
Best for
A great Après ski atmosphere
Fun fact
Host of the annual Alpine Ski World Cup in early December
Nearest airport
Chambery (130km)
Centre comfort
Resort charm
Snow sure rating
The Val d’Isere ski area is linked to the neighbouring resort of Tignes to create one of the most famous ski areas in the world; the Espace Killy. In addition to the high snowfall, the high altitude also ensures that the snow stays longer meaning the Espace Killy generally has the best snow cover in the Alps.
The terrain is very varied over the Espace Killy and there is lots on offer for all levels. With over 300km of piste there is plenty to keep you occupied throughout your stay and a good spread across all the grades. Expert skiers should also check out the famous Olympic downhill run, La Face, a great place to test your skill and... speed... dare we say it.
As well as a superb piste network the Esapce Killy can boast one of the largest lift served off piste areas in the world. Areas of note include Vallee Perdue, an imposing gulley with a cave half way down. The Tour de Charvet bowl provides a great playground on powder days. The Col Pers is an immense off piste run with 1250m of vertical descent!
The Val d’Isere snow park is known and respected the world over and can be found on the Bellevarde at the top of the Mont Blanc chair. It has a full range of kickers, rollers, tables and rails to suit all skill levels from beginner to pro. If super pipes are more your thing then ski over to Tignes and check out the super pipe above Tignes Val Claret.
Val d’Isere has it all; a very charming village, a superb ski area and a fantastic atmosphere. Unlike many resorts, it has achieved significant development without losing its charm and appeal. It is of course an extremely popular resort with thousands of guests from all around the world visiting each year.
If you don’t want to be on the slopes all day long, there is plenty of non-skiing activity in the resort from paragliding to ice driving, fat bikes and an ice rink.
UCPA Val d'Isere is located three minutes walk from the lively town centre and walking distance to the closest piste. However, there is a bus stop directly outside to take you around the resort with buses coming every 10 minutes. The centre is a large traditional wood and stone chalet which can sleep 240 people.
The centre is scheduled for renovation, however due to ongoing local town planning issues, this has been delayed. The centre is very basic compared to other UCPA centres.
Rooms
- 6 and 8 person rooms
- 2-person rooms (with bunk bed) available
- Bathroom facilities are shared per floor
Facilities
- Well priced bar and social area
- Buffet style restaurant
- Ski equipment and storage all on site
- Lift passes provided at the centre
- WiFi in the bar area. Please note the WiFi is not good enough for working on data intensive activities
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By Air
Geneva airport is the most popular airport for travelling to Val d'Isere, however it is also possible to fly to Lyon, Grenoble and Chambery. However, Chambery has few flight options and therefore onward travel, including transfers, becomes a little more difficult.
Airport Transfers
We provide shared transfers which go directly to Val d'Isere from Geneva, Lyon and Grenoble with our local partner, Ben's Bus. Transfers usually run on Saturdays only, with a few exceptions. The journey from all three airports takes around 3h30 but timings can vary according to weather and traffic. Geneva offers the most transfer buses during a Saturday, with fewer buses operating from Grenoble and Lyon.
Geneva
We provide Geneva airport transfers through our local transfer partner, Ben's Bus. Transfers mainly run on Saturdays with very limited Sunday transfers available.
| Dates 2/12/23 - 27/4/24 | Latest flight arrival | Earliest flight departure |
|---|---|---|
| All Saturdays (except for those below) | 20:15 | 09:20 |
| Saturday 2 Dec 23 | 14:35 | N/A |
| Saturdays 06 Apr 24 - 20 Apr 24 | 18:15 | 09:40 |
| Saturday 27 Apr 24 | N/A | 09:40 |
| Sundays (10/12/23 - 7/4/24) | 16:35 (14:35 on 31 Mar & 7 Apr) | 10:15 (09:50 on 31st Mar & 7 Apr) |
Typically the transfer time is 3h30, but this can vary due to weather and traffic. As this is a shared transfer service there are likely to be several stops en route and there is likely to be some wait in the airport to be able to combine your journey with those of other passengers.
There is not a timetable as such, as the transfers are arranged to meet with popular flights.
If you give us your flight details as soon as your booking is confirmed and your flights booked, then we can book you onto the best possible transfer times. If you are making a booking (or providing your flight details) just a few weeks before travel, then you can expect that a lot of the buses will already be booked up and you may have longer to wait at the airport.
Note that transfers will be subject to availability at the time that we receive your flight details.
For midweek transfers and flights outside of our times, have a look at Altibus or Alpybus.
Grenoble
Transfers mainly run on Saturdays with our partner Ben's Bus with limited availability on Sundays.
| Dates 16/12/2023 - 13/4/24 | Latest flight arrival | Earliest flight departure |
|---|---|---|
| All Saturdays | 15:20 | All flights (except 08:45) |
| Sundays | 10:20 | All flights from Grenoble |
Typically the transfer time is 3h30, but this can vary due to weather and traffic. As this is a shared transfer service there are likely to be several stops en route and you may need to wait in the airport so that your journey can be combined with other passengers.
Please log in to your dashboard to enter your flight details as soon as your booking is confirmed in order that we can book you onto the best possible transfer times, please note that transfers will be subject to availability at the time that we receive your flight details.
Lyon
Transfers run on Saturdays only, with our partner Ben's Bus.
There are usually just 2 transfers each Saturday. On busy holiday dates (30 Dec, 6 Jan and 10, 17& 24 Feb) the buses leave resort early in the morning, even for later flights.
| Dates 16/12/2023 -30/3/2024 | Latest flight arrival | Earliest flight departure |
|---|---|---|
| All Saturdays (except for those below) | 15:50 | 09:20 |
| 30 Dec, 6 Jan, 10, 17 & 24 Feb | 15:50 | 09:20 (ALL buses leave resort early morning even for later flights) |
Typically the transfer time is 3h30, but this can vary due to weather and traffic. As this is a shared transfer service there are likely to be several stops en route and you may need to wait in the airport because there are usually just 2 transfers a day.
Typically the transfer time is 3h30, but this can vary due to weather and traffic.
By Coach
Our partner company Snowexpress offers affordable and environmentally friendly travel to the alps. All hold bags and ski bags are included in the price. The coaches travel through the night from London Victoria to resort, arriving typically after lunchtime directly at the centre.
By Train
The nearest train station to Val d'Isere is Bourg St Maurice (35km away), from there you would need to take a taxi or a public bus. Please check out Rome2Rio for information on the transport options from Gare Routiere Bourg Saint Maurice.
By Car
It is possible to drive to Val d'Isere, but it is important to note that driving can become challenging if the conditions turn significantly wintery. It is a legal requirement for cars to be equipped with snow tires or to have chains which can be used when required. There is some uncovered parking just opposite the centre which costs around 60eur for the week. It is not possible to book it in advance. You must arrive during UCPA reception hours to be allocated a space and a magnetic pass.
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