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February in Val d'Isère: What's on and weather
A busy time in resort coinciding with some great skiing conditions
It's the school holidays and the resort is full to the brim with families.
With the school holidays in full force, on the slopes and throughout town it's buzzing with activity. Val d'Isère lays on plenty of entertainment, with regular events and parties going on in the bars, hotels and clubs around town.
Read on for a look at what we like to do in resort throughout February.
Worth knowing
While February is probably the busiest month in Val d'Isère, there should be more than enough space for everyone. Follow the tips above and you should be able to avoid the worst of the queues and bottlenecks and find yourself riding great snow under often-sunny skies – the perfect mix. Bon ski!
What are the snow and weather conditions like?
In February, the snow has already arrived. It is about as snowy as the season gets and occupying the middle month of the season, February benefits from all the early-season snow whilst suffering none of the inevitable melt-off that occurs towards springtime. The average daily temperatures are low with an average high of -1ºC and a low of -9ºC, but typically less harsh and frosty than January and historically there are more powder and bluebird days than in any other month of the year with an average of eight snowy days.
What's on in Val d'Isère in February?
Valentine's Day
For this 14 February, take your pick of the best in town with the ultimate fine dining experience at the Michelin-starred La Table de l'Ours where chef Antoine Gras serves contemporary dishes inspired by French regional cuisine. Or if this is beyond the budget, worry not, Val d'Isère is full of great gourmet options. If you are after some entertainment while you eat, many places will put on live music, or you could head out after your dinner.
Avaline TraX Challenge
A number of ski races take place in Val d'Isère throughout the season, such as Avaline TraX Challenge. Get involved in a night ski touring race that is open to all, comprising a 480m ascent up to the Folie Douce, departing from La Daille early evening. Participants will set off in 20-second intervals for a timed ascent. There is free mulled wine afterwards. Headlamp obligatory, plus medical certificate for those not registered with FFME/FFCAM.
Join a ski race
Open to all is a ski race on the Savonnettes piste, the Dynastar Trophy, although places are limited so if you're keen make sure you sign up toute suite.
School holiday skiing
February is a popular month for families so the slopes are noticeably busier as soon as the four-week French school holidays begin. Fortunately, the Tignes-Val d'Isère ski area is so vast, that even in high season you can find quiet slopes and minimal lift queues. Here are our insider's top tips for the school holidays:
- It will be almost impossible to book private lessons over this period, group lessons are the best option. Make sure to get your ski and snowboard lessons booked well in advance to avoid disappointment.
- If you're not in ski school, be an early bird. Arrive at the lifts before they open so that you get up and away before the ski school classes set out around 09:15.
- Ski over lunchtime. The slopes are calmer between 12:00 and 14:00 while the French take a leisurely lunch break.
- Pre-book your lunch and avoid the queues. Some restaurants offer a Click & Collect service. It's the best way to avoid the queues and make the most of your time in the mountains.
- Seek out the peripheral areas. Try to avoid the busy main ski areas closer to the resorts and head to the edges of the valley. A bit of exploring never hurt anyone and you may find quieter lifts outside the main hubs.
- Get off-piste. Competent off-piste skiers can book a local mountain guide and explore the vast off-piste areas in the valley or even go touring to find complete solitude in the backcountry.
Things to do
Family-friendly fun
February is traditionally the most popular month for family ski holidays and Val d'Isère knows how to cater to the little ones. There will be so many activities and entertainment both on and off the slopes. On the slopes you'll find activities up the mountain, sled dog riding, snowshoe hikes, snow kites, speed riding, fun adventures in the Val Kids zone including tobogganing and mini ski cross. Off the slopes there are farm visits, workshops and shows, guided tours, a visit to learn about snow making and a mountain rescue visit.
Centre Aquasportif
This huge complex offers pools with many different areas including river currents, water cannons, massaging stream jets and bubble baths. An aquagym and wellness area with sauna, hammam and hot tubs. A fully equipped gym, squash courts, a climbing wall and golf simulators.
Torchlit descents
One of the most popular events in Val d'Isère is the stunning torchlit descents on the Face de Bellevarde, a spectacle not to be missed. The instructors of ESF Val d’Isère put on a show to show off their skills, accompanied by a torchlit descent of the Face de Bellevarde (or La Daille). After this, you’ll be able to enjoy a fireworks show and warm up with some vin chaud or hot chocolate.
Bars and clubs
Fun at La Folie Douce
Val d'Isère has a reputation for crazy clubbing and La Folie Douce is party central on the slopes. Enjoy their themed parties and go back to the roots of House music after you've tucked into some delicious oysters or steak tartare at their La Fruitière restaurant. Or perhaps you're more of a burger and hot-dogs kind of person? Then Le Butcher is your place.
