Val d’Isere’s knee burning slopes have always been thought as a haven for intermediate and advanced skiers’. Its notorious black La Face run serves as an emblem for the resort, and many envision this thrilling run when they think of Val d’Isere. But whilst the resort still is a mecca for skiers seeking a challenge, in recent years it is a lot more accommodating for learners. The world-class sporting resort now has beginner friendly runs leading back into its centre, with the redevelopment of the Solaise area and lift redeveloped back in winter 2016/2017.
But what are the resort’s stand out slopes? Here’s our compiled list of our top 5 runs in Val d’Isere, some iconic and others perfect for those looking for a chilled cruise rather than a heart in your throat, adrenaline fuelled descent.
1. Epaule de Charvet
Not as well known as La Face de Bellevarde, the Epaule du Charvet is a sharp and steep black run that is signposted for good skiers only. Its misleading and gentle start drops down into a tough mogul field. It is definitely for those looking for a challenge and can bear through serious thigh burns as the moguls’ tower over knee height! The end of the run feeds into the Santons red run, allowing for a more relaxed and cruising ski before heading back into the resort centre.
2. OK
In the Bellevarde sector descending into La Daille, the OK run is a World Cup downhill and is Val d’Isere’s exemplar piste along with the La Face. Recommended for confident intermediates, it’s a lovely tree lined run, great for when visibility is bad. It is also best during mid-morning as it can get busy and churned up towards the end of the day. A plus side is its close proximity to La Folie Douce! Ski all the way down into La Daille and get the gondola up into the après bar itself. We’re sure a demi-peche will be well deserved!
3. Le Face de Bellevarde
Known as the ultimate thrilling black run in the world spanning from 2,900 metres at the top to 1,550 metres at the bottom, La Face de Bellevarde has a majestic omnipresence in the village centre. Worthy in our top 5 for its renowned steepness and challenging terrain, sometimes icy and mogully in the afternoon, so it is definitely one for advanced skiers to tackle earlier in the day. Its legendary status also comes from downhill racing, notably back in 1992 where the Olympic men’s downhill took place. Every December it also hosts the ‘Criterium de la Premiere Neige’ which is a series of World Cup races for men and women, first held in 1955.
4. Mangard
For beautiful views over the valley, look no further than the Mangard blue run which descends into Le Fornet. Located off the Foret cable car, it also offers an off-piste opportunity through the trees. This cruising blue along with the Aiglons and Mattis runs use parts of the 13 kilometres Col d’Iseran mountain road often used in the Tour de France course and will be featured in this year’s race. We recommend skiing this one before lunch as halfway down the piste there is a cosy chalet restaurant – a great location for a pit stop!
5. Cascade
On the Le Fornet glacier, this cruisy red run can be skied over and over again as it remains fairly quiet even in peak season. It’s also stays in great condition no matter the weather, as its high altitude means it often has fresh snow. The cascade is ideal for intermediates wanting to try their first red run.
Fancy a ski holiday to Val d'Isere? Browse our Val d'Isere ski deals or give us a call on the number above to speak to a ski expert for advice and recommendations.
