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 - don't forget to check out our weekly What's On calender for the latest not-to-be-missed events.
Wondering what to do this Christmas and New Year? The festive season in the snowy Alps is always magical and every year there is some sort of celebration in resort to mark the occasion. Christmas is a far less commercial event in France than in the UK and so you won’t find things publicised for months in advance - but you can always be sure of a glass of vin chaud (mulled wine), a few carols and perhaps the odd firework or two!
Many of the restaurants will put on a special festive menu with champagne and traditional French dishes, so book in advance if you want to treat yourself to a meal out. Likewise, planning ahead is advised if you have your heart set on ringing in the New Year in a particular bar or club – many of them are ticket-only, so enquire in advance to avoid disappointment!
The week leading up to Christmas sees Val d’Isère sparkling with festive cheer! The lights are up throughout the resort, the Christmas market is in full swing and Father Christmas himself may even put in an appearance! Christmas Mass, musical concerts and children’s shows all add to the fun.
Come midnight on New Year's Eve the hoards of tipsy revellers head down to the roundabout in the centre of resort for the big countdown – not an official event as such, more of a long-held tradition. On the stroke of midnight you are advised to duck as champagne corks and fireworks are unleashed in celebration!
To find out exactly what Val d'Isere has in store this year have a look at our What’s On Calendar. You can read about the revelries of years gone by in our Après Ski Report, just use the drop-down box called ‘Archived Reports’ to go back to the date you are looking for. To get a feel for what Val d'Isere nightlife is all about, take a look at our Dining & Going Out Guide.
The White Battle - Early March
The new freestyle competition in Val d’Isere hoping to take over from the X-Box Big Day Out, The White Battle has teams of three face off against each other in a freestyle ski and snowboard comp at the foot of Le Face. Local businesses are encouraged to get involved too and set up stands in the competition area selling drinks, food and souvenirs to the crowd. Live Music and DJ’s from La Folie Deuce and Pro-riders from all over Europe make this an exciting new addition to the Val d’Isere calendar.
Created nearly 30 years ago, this race is an International Alpine Ski Race for Children, run at the end of the winter season. Historically, it was an event with the Children from Val d’Isere’s Ski Club and other children’s of various ski clubs however, increasing numbers of entrants resulted in the race organisers reviewing the race format, and registering the race in the International Children ski race calendar.
La Scara is now considered in the ski world as a real “Children’s World Championships” and is now used as qualification for the selection process at national level. The race is open to both Boys and Girls, runs over 4 days. French children must qualify for the ‘International races’ which then take place the following days. In previous years, the event has attracted up to 1400 competitors; with a split of approximately 1100 French skiers and 300 International skiers from 28 nations.
Classical music festival held in Val d'Isere's church in the old town. The programme includes classical pieces as composed by various favourites, including Beethoven and Schumann
Fete de la Musique - 21st June
Fête de la Musique is the celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21st June in cities, towns and villages across France. More than a music festival, the Fête de la Musique is a free event that spills out from the bars and restaurants onto the streets and encompasses every type of music imaginable, from local amateur teen bands to professional classical musicians, from club DJ’s to traditional folk bands.
Launched in 1982 by the French Ministry for Culture, the Fete is different from a music festival in that all the concerts and performances are free to the public and none of the artists are paid.
The Fete de la Musique is now celebrated all over the world, where it is more commonly refered to as World Music Day.
Fête de la Musique is one of those certain nights throughout the year when the French authorities waive normal licensing laws, allowing the revelry to continue as long as there are people with the stamina to enjoy it – it is definitely one of the not-to-be-missed events of the summer social calendar!
International Adventure and Discovery Film Festival (late April)
In 2006, Val d’Isere is host the its 10th International Film festival featuring eleven specially selected films ranging from adventure sports to ethnic encounters and documentaries. During the week the festival is running, there is the opportunity to watch a the films which will eventually be judged by a jury of professionals of varying professions and members of the public too.
Vertical Kilometer (mid July)
Val d'Isere is home to the Vertical Kilometer competition, which basically means running a kilometer, vertially up the face of the Bellevarde (scene of the 1992 Olympic downhill); whilst covering a ground distance of 3000m in the processes. This gruelling competition is definitely not for the faint hearted! Winners in previous years have completed the event in an amazing 35.15 minutes (Mens) and 42.48 minutes (Womens)!
For further information see : For further information see: here.
Tour de France - July
Every summer France is gripped by the biggest and best cycle race in Europe - Le Tour de France. The Alps have played a large part in the race over the years with the gruelling mountain climbs providing some of the most exciting spectacles of the event. The route changes slightly each year, taking in different towns and villages along the way. Even if the race doesn't pass near to where you are this summer you can guarantee that it will still be avidly watched in bars and cafés around the country with everyone joining in to cheer on the famous yellow jersey! ... see "Le Tour de France" for more
L'Iserane - Cycling (early August)
Organised by the Club des Sports in Val d'Isere, and the Tourist office in Bonneval sur Arc; the two stage cycling competition takes place over two days and is open to both men and women of all ages (although different start times may apply according to age).
The first stage departs Bonneval sur Arc late afternoon, arriving at the summit of the Col de L'Iseran (approx 14 kms) ‘shortly’ after. The second stage departs late afternoon from Val d'Isere and arrives at the Col de l'Iseran (approx 17kms).
Every summer, Val d’Isere plays host to the European 4x4 Salon show. Vehicles, accessories, tyres, travel information and with up to 90 exhibitors to tell you all you need to know, it’s an event not be missed by the budding car enthusiast. Up to 50 models are on display, so in the company of experienced demonstrators, you can test out the handling, braking comfort and equipment of the 4 x 4. If that’s not enough, there are numerous activities for you and the family to enjoy ranging from Adventure trailing, mountain biking, shooting, archery and golf. Instructors are on hand to give some handy tips and advice in a workshop style scenario. For further information see : For further information about this event see : here.
Val d’Isere has long been host to the Critérium de la Premiere Neige (‘the first races of the new snow’); in 2006 Val d'Isère celebrated its 50th year of hosting the competition which brings the world’s top male and female skiers together to compete in Downhill, Super G and Slalom races. Races are held on the La Daille pistes, where names of the previous winners reads like the history of skiing for the past half a century! Sadly, with this event being so early in the season weather can play a big part in the overall success of the competition. In previous years the event has been cancelled or moved to an alternative location. The event has also on occasion been affectionately renamed the ‘Premier Slush’! For further information and routes of previous years races see here.
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