Where is Val d'Isere Ski Resort?
Val d'Isere is deep in the Tarentaise valley of the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. The Val d'Isere ski resort is only 5 km (3 miles) from the border (as the crow lies) with Italy and next door to Tignes. The closest major town is Bourg St. Maurice (30km away), which also acts as a major transport hub for the region.
The central part of town is called Val d’Isère, but 'Val d’Isere' is actually a valley made up of various hamlets that are fairly close to the “Old Town”. As examples, it is 2km between the hamlet of Le Daille and Val d’Isere, and 2.4km between Val d’Isere and Le Fornet. Check out the Val d'Isere Village map below.
Flights to Val d’Isere
The nearest airport to Val d'Isère is Chambéry (CMF) (144km) (about 2½hr by road), followed by Geneva (GVA) (187km / 3½hr) and Lyon Saint-Exupéry (LYS) (221km / 3½hr). Paris (CDG) is an option for international travellers wanting to combine a visit to the city with some stellar French Alps skiing, however the 6hr+ train trip to Bourg St Maurice may dissuade one from this option.
Whilst Chambery is closest, it has a relatively limited schedule, restricted to weekends & only European or UK flight origins. For international travellers, Geneva & Lyon have a wide range of worldwide flight origins as well as excellent train, bus & shuttle links to Bourg St Maurice and Val d’Isère.
Search for the best airfares to Geneva, Lyon, Chambery, or other airports via our recommended flight search engine.
Private Transfers
The Powderhounds usually recommend taking the train & bus to ski resorts like Val d’Isère, mainly in order to POW (Protect Our Winters). However, if in a group of three or more people, or if you simply cannot abide public transport, take a private transfer direct to your hotel in Val d’Isere from the nearest airport. Alternatively a private transfer is a great way to go directly to your hotel from the Bourg St Maurice train station.
Search & book here for private transfers to Val d'Isere.
Train & Bus Travel to Val d’Isère
Bourg St Maurice is a key transport hub for all Tarentaise ski resorts including Val d’Isere. The Bourg St. Maurice train station is 35km from Val d’Isère & is on the schedule of numerous train lines including TGV, Eurostar & regional trains. Train travel is possible directly from the Geneva & Lyon St Exupery airports (with various connections), as well as London & Paris via fast train. From Paris Gare de Lyon, train journeys take between 6 to 7hr.
Search & book here for train tickets to Bourg St Maurice.
If using the local buses to connect to the ski resort, purchase a ticket from the railway station terminal on arrival. Bus services run regularly from the Bourg St. Maurice station to Val d’Isère, taking less than an 1hr. You can take a local taxi or pre-arranged private transfer for a substantially higher fee.
Driving to Val d'Isere
Driving to Val d’Isere is possible from all over Europe, however, note that the 30km road journey from Bourg St Maurice can be quite congested at certain times (Friday nights, Saturdays, Sunday evenings etc). From the UK by car can be quite affordable if you share the journey with some mates. Bear in mind that the normal nine-hour journey across France may take much longer if you chose to travel on a busy Saturday or encounter heavy snowfalls. Once at Val d’Isere you won’t need to use your car unless wanting to drive to a nearby ski resort like Sainte Foy, Les Arcs or La Rosiere.
If hiring or renting a car, all of the major towns and airports have a range of options. We can recommend the car rentals at Geneva Airport but insist on having a vehicle fitted with 'winter tyres' and 'all-wheel drive', as a drive to Val d'Isere in storm conditions can be interesting given its 1,850m base altitude. Search & book here for all rental cars.
Car Parking
Prior to arrival, if driving a rental car, clarify car-parking arrangements with your accommodation provider. Most hotels have only limited on-street parking, and the streets of Val d'Isere can be choked with snow, further restricting parking during winter.
For day trippers, limited free car parking is available near the Le Fornet cable car base, with the remainder of the resort having paid parking throughout.
Getting Around the Resort
Val d'Isère is proud that is has reduced the volume of car traffic courtesy of its three shuttle bus routes offered free of charge. The Red, Green, and Blue bus lines link the different areas of the resort between the two extremes of La Daille & Le Fornet, from morning to night every day of the season (with reduced frequency in the evenings and in inter-season). We can vouch for it being an awesome way to get around the ski resort. Check out the Val d'Isere free village bus routes & schedules here.
If interested in a bit of exercise, walking trails link all the hamlets & main villages along the valley between La Daille and Le Fornet.
Nearby Ski Resorts
Aside from the interconnected Tignes, a festival of wonderful French Tarentaise valley ski areas, from mega resorts to 'secret stashes', are within one hour drive of Val d'Isere. They include: the world's largest fully interlinked resort the 3 Valleys (Courchevel, Meribel & Val Thorens et al); huge Paradiski (Les Arcs & La Plagne); plus the smaller La Rosiere (linked to Italy's La Thuile) and excellent petite powder stash of Sainte Foy.