Val d’Isère, a mountain of activities in Savoie

Val d’Isère is a name that resonates with every mountain lover. This Savoie resort, in France, famous for its ski area and unique atmosphere, is a sought-after destination in winter and summer for a successful stay. It is a central point for discovering the Tarentaise valley. If you are looking for a campsite in Savoie to explore the region, l’Eden de la Vanoise is an ideal starting point for your Alpine adventures.

Overview and location

Nestled at an altitude of 1,850 metres, the village of Val d’Isère lies in the heart of the Alps, in the upper Tarentaise valley, in the Savoie department. This Savoie ski resort, Val d’Isère, shares its huge ski area (formerly known as the Espace Killy) with its neighbour, Tignes. This Val d’Isère–Tignes link creates one of the largest ski areas in France.

For those who want to discover both ski resorts, staying at a campsite in Tignes or nearby lets you make the most of the area. Val d’Isère is also a gateway to the Vanoise National Park.

History: a pioneering village and Olympic venue

Before becoming a world reference, Val d’Isère was a traditional mountain village centred on its Saint-Maurice church. Its tourism development, started by pioneers, began in the 1930s. The old village is part of our selection of the most beautiful villages in Savoie.

The event that definitively transformed the Val d’Isère resort was hosting the 1992 Albertville Olympic Games. Val d’Isère was then the venue for the men's technical and speed alpine skiing events. It was for this occasion that the legendary Face de Bellevarde was created for the men's downhill. This sporting legacy shaped the resort's infrastructure and reputation for excellence.

Things to do: skiing and the mountains in summer

The Val d’Isère resort can be enjoyed intensely in both winter and summer.

Winter on the ski area

In winter, skiing in Val d’Isère is king. Linked to Tignes, the area has 300 km of slopes spread over 161 runs: 23 green, 67 blue, 41 red and 30 black, served by 79 ski lifts.

Thanks to its high altitude, the resort enjoys quality snow cover throughout the season. Enthusiasts can check the snow report or the Val d’Isère webcams to follow conditions in real time.

“Slow skiing” zones welcome families and beginners, in the spirit of the Famille Plus label.

By choosing a campsite near a ski resort in Savoie, you enjoy easy access to this exceptional area and to all winter sports activities.

Summer in the heart of the Vanoise

In summer, Val d’Isère changes scenery: snow gives way to mountain pastures and mountain panoramas.

The resort becomes an ideal playground for mountain biking, with a Bike Park shared with Tignes, and for hiking, thanks to the lifts open in summer, sometimes free for pedestrians.

Walkers easily reach the trails of the Vanoise National Park, while the more adventurous try the via ferrata of the Roc de la Tovière or the Plates de la Daille (see our selection of via ferratas in Savoie). For a relaxing moment, the Centre Aquasportif is a great alternative.

This variety of activities makes Val d’Isère an ideal destination for a stay at a campsite open all year round, between nature, sport and relaxation.

Events, restaurants and après-ski

The Val d’Isère resort buzzes all year round with its flagship events. Winter gets off to a great start with the Critérium de la Première Neige, a legendary stage of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, which brings together the world elite on the Face de Bellevarde.

In summer, the resort stays lively thanks to events such as the High Trail Vanoise, a demanding trail race, and the Electric Vehicle Show.
The Fête du Vieux Val, in July, celebrates local traditions in a friendly, festive atmosphere.

But Val d’Isère is not just about sporting competitions: its tourism is just as dynamic. Après-ski is a real institution, with iconic venues such as La Folie Douce, the famous open-air club on the slopes, or Cocorico, at the foot of the lifts.

As for food, the restaurants of Val d’Isère offer great variety: from mountain tables such as La Fruitière to traditional addresses nestled in the village, there is something for everyone.

Practical information for your stay

To plan your trip to Val d’Isère, access is mainly by road. The nearest airports are Chambéry (about 2 hours), Geneva-Cointrin (GVA) and Lyon-Saint-Exupéry (LYS) (about 3 hours). Regular shuttles and private transfers (chauffeur services, minibuses, “Val d’Isère Airport Transfer” services) provide a direct link to the resort.

Once there, it is best to leave the car: the resort has several covered car parks (P0, P1, P3...) and outdoor spaces. A free shuttle network, the Valbus, makes it easy to get around the hamlets of the village, from La Daille to Le Fornet.

Before heading for the slopes, remember to check the local weather and download the Val d’Isère map. Village and piste maps are available at the Tourist Office or on the resort's official mobile app.

For a stay in Savoie combining proximity to the great Alpine sites and the calm of nature, choose our Eden de la Vanoise campsite. An ideal address to recharge after an intense day on the slopes or mountain trails.