© Val d'Isere TO
What’s new this winter in Val d'Isère
From the ski area to what's fresh in the resort
As winter begins to take hold we take a look at all that's new in town and on the slopes.
Early signs of snowfall here in The Alps are creating much excitement for the upcoming winter season. The ski industry here is raring to go and this winter looks like being an exceptionally busy one. Val d'Isere ski area opens 30 November 2024 and ski passes are on sale.
Winter tyres
A reminder that it is now mandatory from 1 November to 31 March to have winter tyres (M and S marking, or all weather (four season) tyres), OR at least two snow chains/socks in the vehicle when driving in the mountain regions in France, following a law introduced from November 2021.
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On the slopes
Replacing the Vallon gondola
Faster, more comfortable, safer with less environmental impact, 2,790m altitude was reached in only six minutes and 30 seconds, plus there are now 10 seats per gondola instead of the previous six.
Eco piste groomers
As we are seeing across most of the French ski resorts, Val d’Isère are championing a more sustainable approach and their 39 piste groomers will be powered by HVO fuel this winter. This fuel is 100% renewable using vegetable oil (no palm oil) and reduces their carbon emissions by an enormous 90%.
Solaise Lounge update
Free to use, sit down and enjoy your packed lunch or take advantage of the café on site that serves organic coffee, tea and pastries. It has two sun terraces and a children's corner inside showing cartoons.
In the resort
Val d'Isère signs Montagne Zéro Déchet Sauvage 2030
Together with ESF and STVI, the Mairie co-signed the national charter steered by the Mountain Riders association. With this action they are committing themselves to a goal of zero uncontrolled waste in the mountains by 2030, providing better management and reduction of abandoned waste.
New La Daille bus station
The bus station has relocated from the village centre to La Daille, featuring a new building and several platforms with a new system being introduced for tourist buses, reducing traffic in the village.
Hotels
Experimental Chalet
L'Aigle des Neiges has changed its name to Experimental Chalet and the entire place has been wonderfully ‘reimagined into a winter’s haven of epic proportions'. Opening at the end of 2024, the new hotel will have 113 rooms and suites, two restaurants, a cocktail bar, spa and meeting spaces. The spa will have an indoor pool alongside treatment rooms, sauna and steam room.
Travel
Electric shuttle buses
Two new electric shuttle buses join the fleet of ValBuses this winter, these are the first in a new phase in the renewal of all the buses. The rest of the fleet of buses will this year change over to HVO biofuel - these changes represent a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. By 2025, 15 electric buses will run between the village and its hamlets.
Restaurants
L'Art des Mets
In the Machet Valley there is the newly opened L'Art des Mets, in a renovated building whose upkeep is done using only eco-friendly products, built with optimised energy management, recycling water and kitchen energy for heating. They have planned their own vegetable garden for 2025. Open during the day for tea, lunch and snacks.
Italian concept comes to Val
From 6 December, 2024, Airelles Val d'Isère will unveil Palladio. You can expect Italian dishes with a Venetian twist served on their huge terrace on the snow front.
Nobu's first Alps opening
Matsuhisa is Nobu's first restaurant in the region.
Les Fils à Maman
Its first high-altitude address on the snow front, the menu reflects the authentic setting of rustic tables and benches, and there's a children's menu that has waffles and hot chocolate on it - definitely an easy win if you're with little ones. The new bar in the basement is going to be great for a bit of après, and the sheltered south-facing terrace offers fantastic views on sunny days.
Some new offerings at Folie Douce
- Once weekly gourmet breakfast experience, where you can enjoy a workshop to discover your pastry chef skills
- Yoga brunch which is a 45-minute yoga session will be followed by a gourmet brunch
- Boum des Enfants will take place three afternoons a week. Children can join in, have fun, dance and meet the artistes all under the guidance of chaperones, so you can enjoy that extra few hours on the slopes
Events
You’ll enjoy great entertainment and events in Val d’Isère this winter including the great Christmas and New Year festivities with street parties and fireworks displays.
The World Cup downhill and giant slalom races and French Freeride series, a classical music festival and film festival. These events and more can be found on our events calendar.
