Top 5 Winter Activities in Val d'Isere
Aside from the fantastic skiing on offer Val d'Isere has a multitude of alternative winter activities to enjoy.
Situated in the Tarentaise valley, Val d’Isere is a charming village and ski resort with over 300 km of skiing on offer. Aside from the superb skiing, the resort has a packed calendar of activities you can enjoy during your stay. With this in mind, we’ve put together a few ideas that will take your holiday in Val d’Isere to the next level.
1. Swap your skis for wheels
Turbocharge your ski holiday with a driving experience like no other. Open from December to March, Val d’Isere’s 800m ice driving circuit is more like a rally track with 16 turns to negotiate. You can perfect your driving skills on an electric KTM motorbike or improve your reactions behind the wheel of a BMW.
A separate karting track allows you to challenge your family and friends and there’s also an opportunity to control an SSV on ice too. For a less risky experience, try out the intense sensations of motor racing in the dynamic driving simulator.
2. Drive a team of huskies across La Vallee du Manchet
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.
3. Discover the beautiful ice falls of Val d'Isere
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. Prices start at 95 euros per person for a group session, with a minimum of three participants.
4. Take a snowshoe hike through the scenic landscape
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.
5. Learn to cook with a Michelin-star chef
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.
Experience winter in Val d'Isere & stay in one of our luxury ski chalets.
