Val d'Isere Lift System - Summer

The Val d'Isere Valley consists of six separate lift areas that cater for a whole host of individuals - from skiers and snowboarders, mountaineers and climbers, hikers and mountain bikers, to those simply wishing to enjoy the more leisurely pursuit of admiring the beauty of the surrounding mountains. With such variety on your doorstep, it makes sense that there are a number of different lift passes available so that you can tailor your purchase to the ability and preferences of your group. Lift passes are available from the base of each lift station, the Montenvers railway cash desk or in advance on-line purchases can be made via the Compagnie du Mont Blanc website. Visa, Mastercard and Amex credit cards are accepted. Don't forget that your lift pass also provides you with free access to the bus and train system that runs throughout the Val d'Isere Valley.

The winter season usually starts to open around 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 winter season usually ends towards the start of May.

The summer season sees certain lifts crank back into action; providing access to the mountains for hikers, mountain bikers, climbers, paragliders and those who simply wish to enjoy the incredible scenery. The summer season runs from early July until the end of August, with summer skiing being available on the Pissaillas glacier from late June onwards. The lifts marked on the piste map using straight black lines are of four types; button tow/drag, chair, telecabine and telepherique. They have the corresponding abbreviations;

• TK - téléski (drag)
• TS - télésiège (chair)
• TC - télécabine (gondola)
• TPH - téléphérique (cable car)

For télécabine think bubble car and for téléphérique think cable car. Anything prefixed/suffixed with “Express” means a 6 person modern fast chair lift.

Val d'Isère also boasts a fast and efficient funicular, the Funival.  A funicular is an inclined railway that operates on a cable.  Two trains are attached by a kind of pulley-system; they travel along the same length of track, except for when they pass in the middle.  The weight of the train travelling downhill assists the progress of the train travelling uphill, making it an energy-efficient mode of transport.  Built in 1987 the 'funi' leaves from La Daille and arrives at Bellevarde in just 4 minutes - not bad for a 1km journey that includes around 1000m of ascent!

During the summer season certain ski lifts open for pedestrians, mountain bikers and paragliders, giving access to the higher hiking trails and some truly beautiful views.

For this summer the resort is open from 26th June to 29 August. Exact lift dates are as follows:

TSD Solaise Express - 3rd July to 29th August (every day from 9am to 4.30pm)
TPHD Olympique - 4th july to 27th August (from Sunday to Friday - 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm)

Lift tickets can be bought from the Solaise Express cash desk.