Val d'Isere 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 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 for the children from Val d’Isere and other local ski clubs but increasing numbers of entrants resulted in the race organisers reviewing the race format, and registering the race on the International 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 over 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. The level of skiing is incredibly high and there are certainly some future Winter Olympic candidates in the making!

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

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!

The Festival du Film Aventure et Decouverte has been running annually since 1996 and goes from strength to strength each year.

Entrants are invited to submit a short documentary featuring at least one of the following themes: adventure, exploration, ethnic encounters, sport or expeditions.

Eleven of the best will be shown throughout the week to be judged by a jury of well-known adventurers and by the public.

Entry to the films is free and each one is followed by a debate with the film-maker; it is a real shared experience that grows in popularity and diversity year on year.

Potential film makers can find out more about the application process by contacting festivals@valdisere.com

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

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).

In a two-pronged attack, the different stages of the race tackle a sharp ascent up to the Col de l'Iseran from alternative routes.

The first stage departs Bonneval sur Arc at 1850m late afternoon, arriving at the summit of the Col de L'Iseran at 2770m, having cycled around 14km uphill.

The second stage departs late afternoon from Val d'Isere at 1850m and arrives at the Col de l'Iseran at 2770m, covering a distance of roughly 17km.

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 mightly 4x4.

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.

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’!