One of the best-known ski resorts in the world, loved for its party-scene, upmarket vibe and snow surety, Val d’Isère should be considered by beginners, along with other levels of skier.
Whilst here, you’ll ski the Espace Killy ski area comprising both Val d’Isère and Tignes, named after J-C Killy, the hero of the Grenoble Olympic Games, who was brought up here.
The name Espace Killy is not in use so much now, rather the resorts are referred to separately, and here we’ll concentrate on Val d’Isère to explain all there is to be aware of as a beginner in this popular resort.
Brilliantly organised, the resort has dedicated areas for beginners to learn in comfort, with excellent tuition, and plenty of slopes to progress on to as the week goes by. You’ll soon be slipping into the habit of using its nickname: it’s affectionately known simply as ‘Val’ to its fans.
Read on to find out more about the suitability of this extremely well-loved resort for newcomers to the sport.
In this beginner's guide, we answer:
Let’s explore more about learning to ski in Val d’Isère and the surrounding area.
Is Val d’Isère a good resort for beginners?
The excitement will rise as you approach Val d’Isère, as the resort first appears, and then continues along a river valley towards a snowy dead end in winter. It’s a fun place, which draws skiers back year after year, because it ticks so many boxes for visitors.
There is a good choice of ski schools, to suit the group size and time of day you may be looking for, and the lift system and bus service are amongst the most efficient in the Alps.
For everyone, there’s always a party here from lunchtime onwards, in the long-standing Dick’s Bar in town, and up the mountain at the Folie Douce complex.
Remember you can always jump on a speedy lift to get you home.
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St Anton is also a good resort for beginners looking for the full après experience. The resort has not one but two slope-side après institutions and plenty going on in the town. Just bear in mind that you'll be skiing down after partying on the mountain (you can handily get the gondola down in Val d’Isère), so consider with caution.
Where to stay in Val d’Isère if you’re a beginner
You want to be in the village centre, close to the village nursery slopes and the Solaise lift.
If not skiing in the valley, you’ll be learning and practising at the summit of Solaise.
Or try La Daille, with its many cheap apartments, some with uninterrupted mountain views, where there is a smaller nursery area.
There is regular free bus service between La Daille and Val d’Isère that runs from 7am to 02:30am, so no need to worry about missing out!
A map of Val d’Isère featuring some of the best areas to stay if you're a beginner skier
Is Val d’Isère suitable for a first time family ski holiday?
This bustling and well-established resort offers something for every age, together with a huge choice of accommodation, including many catered chalets - often the best choice for a first family ski trip.
In addition to the brilliant childcare options and numerous ski schools, there is a good sports centre with a pool called Centre Aquasportif which also has a climbing wall and squash courts. ValKids also offers lots of snow fun for 3 to 10 year olds from the new year.
Food options are excellent, with everything from haute cuisine, to carb-filled Italian-style meals to get you set up for the next day.
Children up to 8 enjoy a free lift pass.
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Val d’Isère clinched one of our top spots as one of the best family ski resorts in France, thanks in large to under 8s being able to ski for free and the great range of activities for families to do off the mountain.
Beginner skiing in Val d’Isère
After practising on the nursery slopes in the valley, called village I and II and Savonnette, head up Solaise for an extensive beginners’ area, with magic carpet lifts called Pimpam and Poum, on gentle, flattering slopes.
Practice on Madeleine, a designated beginners’ area, or ski around the Glacier Express, with easy blues and greens.
In La Daille village the green is called Lanches.
Plan to take lifts back to resort from mid-mountain until confidence is built up as trails home can get busy at the end of the day.
The area at the top of the Solaise lift is dedicated to beginner-friendly runs
Where to head when you’re ready to explore Val d’Isère
There are plenty of greens and blues around Solaise to keep you busy perfecting your parallels. The Col de l’Iseran runs are gentle and wide, without being overcrowded.
Take a look at Verte and Mont Blanc at the top of Bellevarde and the greens from the Borsat chair lift, but watch out for steep parts at the top of all three runs.
Top tips for skiing in Val d’Isère
Avoid the steep top of Funival and Olympique runs, by getting a bus to La Daille and accessing the greens from there
Just take the Val d’Isère lift pass, rather than the area pass to save money
The piste map has jaunty pink dots on to show lifts to be used by beginners to return to the village
How much do lift passes cost in Val d’Isère?
A guide price for a daily lift pass is €66 per adult; €55 per child (8-18 years); and a senior pass €55 (65-74 years) in the season 24/25.
Ski passes are free for the under 8s and over 75s. Prices are lower for the period until Christmas.
Is there a free lift pass for Val d’Isère?
There are free lifts for beginners in the valley: La Savonnette, Village and Lanches to get you started.
But much of your learning will be up the mountain in dedicated areas such as at the summit of Solaise, so a lift pass will be needed.
Is there a discounted lift pass for beginners?
There is a small discount for beginners with limited lift access to 41 km of runs. Those passes are €47 per day for everyone over the age of 8, accessing:
Solaise Gondola
Rogoney Chairlift
Legettaz T-bar
Glacier Chairlift
Datcha Chairlift
Madeleine Chairlift
Pimpam magic carpet
Poum magic carpet
All are naturally in areas where there is good terrain for practising during your first week or weeks on the snow. The area is clearly marked on the piste map.
Val d’Isère après bars and restaurants accessible to beginner skiers
Val d’Isère is renowned for its bars and après fun.
La Folie Douce at the top of the La Daille gondola can be reached via green runs, but you’ll be taking the gondola down afterwards, as there is no easy way for a beginner to ski back.
At La Folie Douce there is a guaranteed party in the afternoon, plus a number of food outlets and restaurants, that will have you organising your day around!
With a bit of planning, it’s possible to enjoy a late lunch and early après on the mountain at these restaurants:
Read more
Discover more about Val D's party scene in our guide to the best apres bars and nightlife hotspots in Val d’Isère.
How much do ski lessons cost in Val d’Isère?
Beginners appreciate the choice of excellent ski schools here.
Novices usually start in a small group getting used to their equipment and doing simple drills on gentle slopes either in the valley or higher up the mountain.
A group lesson starts at €300 for a week in a group lesson. Private lessons can be as short as one hour and upwards to suit you. Definitely book early as possible for lessons in Val d’Isère due to high demand, especially for peak dates.
Here are ‘from’ prices, indicative for the 24/25 season.
| Ski School |
Group lesson per adult |
Group lesson per child |
Private lesson adult |
Private lesson child per 2 hours |
| Ski School Val d'Isère |
Peak: €388 for 5 classes Non peak: €201 for 5 classes
|
Peak: €388 for 5 mornings Non peak: €324 for 5 mornings
|
Peak: €59 Non peak: €59
|
Peak: €59 Non peak: €59
|
| Newgen |
Peak: €300 per week Non peak: €300 per week
|
Peak: €300 per week Non peak: €300 per week
|
Peak: €155 per 2-3 hours Non peak: €155 per 2-3 hours
|
Peak: €155 per 2-3 hours Non peak: €155 per 2-3 hours
|
| Oxygène |
Peak: €335 per week Non peak: €335 per week
|
Peak: €399 per week Non peak: €399 per week
|
Peak: €175 per two hours Non peak: €175 per two hours
|
Peak: €175 per two hours Non peak: €175 per two hours |
Is there a beginner-friendly snow park in Val d’Isère?
There is a park above La Daille, known as Val Park, served by the Mont Blanc chairlift, with beginner-friendly jumps, boxes and rails.
ValKids for children from 3 to 10 years inclusive at Solaise has a funslope, playground, sledging and boardercross, but opens on January 1st.
Try also The Lost Village, for suspended walkways, cabins and deckchairs
Overall, is Val d’Isère a good choice for beginners?
Come and join in the all-age fun in Val d’Isère this winter. Kids will love to learn here, with a free lift pass, excellent ski schools and fun jumps and slopes, before splashing around in the Aquasportif leisure centre.
Adults will appreciate the efficient lift systems, the vast variety of bars and restaurants on and off the mountain, and the opportunity to practise in different parts of the resort.
Read more:
Make sure to check out our guide on why Val d’Isère is a great ski resort for even more reasons to go!
Book Your Beginner Ski Holiday to Val d’Isère
Whether you're planning a ski trip as a couple, small group, or a mega group, beginners will be well served in Val d’Isère. We've got thousands of fantastic deals on Val d’Isère chalets, hotels, and apartments. Browse and book your ski holiday online or get help from one of our excellent ski specialists.
Our team has first hand experience of skiing in Val d’Isère, and will have no problem helping you to find the perfect area and accommodation for you needs. Booking a large group holiday for the first time? Make sure to check out our guide on how to book a group ski holiday.
