Val d'Isere in Winter

Val d’isere is one of the top ski resorts in the world providing over 150 kilometres of pistes and this, together with vast areas of accessible "off piste", makes it ideal for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Skiers seem to outnumber the snowboarders a little but there is a comfortable balance of both sports – each taking advantage of the different areas Val d’Isere has to offer (Le Fornet, Le Solaise and Bellevarde). ... see "Val d'Isere Skiing Revealed" for more

• Espace Killy Piste Map

With eco-issues and climate change being ever-more important to mountain resorts Val d’Isere has come up with the recyclable pass. This version requires no deposit and can only be bought in resort. A photograph is required for 8-21 day passes. Recycling bins for old cards can be found by the lift pass offices.

For maximum convenience the rechargeable pass can be purchased online and is valid for 3 years. Once purchased, at an initial price of €3, this pass can be charged and recharged as necessary online. A photograph is compulsory. ... see "Val d'Isere Lift Pass Options - Winter" for more

Val d'Isère, together with Tignes, makes up part of the Espace Killy region. Usually the Espace Killy lifts start to open on the last weekend in November. Normally only a few lifts are open for the first week, with progressively more lifts opening as snow permits. The Espace Killy has an excellent snow record; due to it's location against the peaks of the Italian border the Espace Killy tends to get a higher snow fall than in most other French resorts. Its location protects it from Southerly and Easterly winds, so the snow tends to arrive early, and lasts for a long time. There are discounted lift passes for the very start of the season - the snow condition may be unpredictable but you may find that you have the pistes to yourself, no lift queues and quiet restaurants. Spring skiing can be pleasant with warmer weather and more precipitation can mean more snow! The season usually ends towards the start of May. ... see "Val d'Isere Lift System - Winter" for more

Val d'Isere is one giant natural fun park and there really is something for everyone here. To help you navigate your way around this vast area, we have produced an insiders guide on some of the best skiing and boarding to be had, and where to feed those hungry stomachs whilst your on the mountain. Also in this section is some information on cross-country skiing in the valley, skiing for the disabled, and features on how to improve your ski technique. And if you feel a bit 'all the gear but no idea', our articles on skis and snowboards will help you get a better understanding of the types of skis and snowboards available. ... see "Val d'Isere for Skiing & Snowboarding" for more

There is plenty for non-skiers to do in the valley. Activities include walking on specially prepared trails, snow shoe walks, husky-sledding, ice-climbing, parapenting, balloon and light-aircraft flights, sledging, swimming, ice-skating, indoor climbing and fitness classes.

Less active entertainment includes the cinema (there are films in English most weeks), visiting the beauty centres, the casino, taking the cable-cars to mountain restaurants and view points, visiting the local Alpine history museum, or some serious shopping in the boutiques. ... see "Val d'Isere for the Non-Skier" for more

An avalanche is a fastinating and naturally occuring phenomenon that is caused by unstable snow conditions. Since it is pratically impossible to predict where and when the next avalanche will occur, significant amounts of information such as weather forecasts and avalanche forecasts are provided for the winter sports enthusiasts to aid their understanding of avalanche dangers and potentially prevent one from occuring.

The following avalanche information is not to be accepted as a set of instructions, it is designed merely provide guidance for those who wish to go off piste, and facilitate informed decision-making. It is also worth noting that avalanches are not the only dangers of off-piste: natural obstacles such as crevasses, buried rocks or cliffs are also potential hazards. It is highly recommended that you take a mountain guide whilst venturing into unknown territory. ... see "Avalanche Awareness" for more

There are heaps of events held throughout the year in Val d'Isere and the Espace Killy, ranging from small and quirky local festivals, to world renowned sporting events. Music festivals are also hugely popular during the summer months and provide a great excuse to make a quick trip out to the Alps. In this section, we bring you information about the major annual events in Val d'Isere, and don't forget to check out our weekly what's on calender. ... see "Val d'Isere Events - Winter" for more

• What's On in Val d'Isere?

With Val d'Isere set to become a "car free resort" by 2009, cars are not favoured in resort. Instead, Val d'Isere provides an excellent free bus service which runs until around midnight including a service to La Daille. It's worth checking with your tour operator to see if they offer a free minibus service to their clients. Information and timetables for the public transport system can be found in this section, along with parking information for car drivers. ... see "Val d'Isere Transport & Parking" for more