Top 5 Winter Activities in Val d'Isere

Val d'Isere now has a small artificial ice skating rink located in the middle of the village; the perfect spot to learn how to skate for the first time or to hone your skills. The ice rink is open every day in winter from 3pm to 9pm and there's a small refreshment chalet located on site for drinks and snacks.

Open to adventurers over 12 years of age, experience a rush of adrenaline as you drive your pack of dogs across the snowy landscape. Husky driving requires you to have a good level of fitness so if you would prefer something a little more relaxing, then just sit back in the sled and let yourself be guided by an experienced musher whilst admiring the breathtaking scenery as it rushes by.

A chance to explore the frozen streams and waterfalls in the Haute Tarentaise valley, ice climbing is an exhilarating experience. Experience the thrill of climbing up a natural frozen waterfall in the safe hands of a fully qualified instructor as they teach you the basics of using crampons and an ice axe. Popular spots in the valley include the Daille waterfall, the Gurraz waterfalls, the Brevieres site at the foot of the Tignes dam and the Mone waterfall in the Peisey valley.

Open to those over 14 years of age, ice climbing is a great activity to enjoy with family and friends.

Whether you’ve never tried snowshoeing before or are a total pro, Val d’Isere has a variety of snowshoe treks to suit all abilities. Beginners can partake in a two hour guided discovery hike, picking up technical tips, identifying animal tracks and learning about the mountain way of life. For something a little more challenging, join a half-day hike, designed to take you further and faster up the mountain. For a full snowshoeing experience, try a full-day hike exploring the backcountry with a stop for a picnic lunch.

Other snowshoeing experiences include a moonlit hike, an evening hike with a stop for a traditional Savoyard dinner and a snowshoe hike combined with yoga.

Keen cooks will relish the opportunity to learn from renowned chef, Benoit Vidal, of two Michelin-star restaurant, L’Atelier d'Edmond. The package includes four hours of cooking lessons in the morning followed by tasting of the dishes you have prepared with a selection of wines chosen by the restaurant’s sommelier.

If you wish to refine your pastry technique, you can with Patrick Chevallot’s patisserie classes. Once voted Best French Pastry Cook, Patrick and his team will teach you how to make delicious cakes. The course takes place every Thursday from 5pm to 7pm between January and April.