Val d'Isère, together with Tignes, makes up part of the Espace Killy region. This huge ski area is linked by a network of lifts that give access to a wide and varied selection of groomed pistes and great easily-accessible off-piste. The lift system also operates during the peak summer months so that sports such as hiking, mountain biking, climbing and paragliding can be enjoyed. The views are spectacular at any time of year. Here we aim to tell you what you need to know about the Val d'Isère lift system so that you can make the most of your time on the mountain.
Lift System in Val d'Isere
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!
LIVE Piste & Lift Status in Val d'Isere
Below is our speedy overview of what the current lift status is in Val d'Isère. The list summary is probably most useful if you already know the valley and the lift names. If you don't, you may also find the piste & lift map handy if you are less familiar with the area.
Opening & Closing Dates for Val d'Isère Lifts - Winter
The Val d'Isère ski area will open on 28th November 2009 and close on 2nd May 2010. The links to Tignes and the entire Espace Killy area are generally guaranteed from 19th December 2009 to 3rd May 2009 but it is usually possible to ski a reduced Tignes/Val area (inc. links) from the end of November. For the latest info on lift openings in the area, please see our Live Piste & Lift Status for daily updates.
It's worth noting that reduced rates are available on Espace Killy ski passes between 28th November to 18th December 2008 for those who can squeeze in a bit of pre-Christmas skiing!
Lift Access & Restrictions for Val d'Isere Lift System - Winter
VAL D'ISERE LIFT ACCESS & RESTRICTIONS
Wheelchair Access
All lifts except the Funicular, Le Fornet cable car, La Daille gondola, Le Vallon gondola & Olympique gondola (Olympique is accessible to accompanied handiskiers). All the chairlifts in the Val d'Isere ski area are handiski accessible, with the exception of those leading to Le Fornet.
Paraglide / Parapente
Solaise Express & Solaise cable car give access to the designated take-off sites. Please see Val d'Isere for Paragliding for more information.
Pedestrians
Pedestrian lift pass gives access to: Solaise, Olympique & Fornet cable cars; La Daille & La Vallon gondolas; Funival funicular; Solaise Express chairlift (both directions); Manchet Express, Bellevarde Express & Loyes Express chairlifts (ascent only). Please see Lift Pass Prices for more details.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on all pedestrian lifts, providing they are muzzled & kept on a lead.
Babies
It is not recommended to expose babies or children under three years old to sudden changes in altitude or temperature - if lift staff consider your child too young to travel on certain lifts they reserve the right to refuse you entry. Please see our Tips for Families & Kids section for advice.
Lift & Piste Maps (Val d'Isere & Espace Killy)
The Espace Killy piste map shows the pistes and ski areas of both Val d'Isere and Tignes, and gives you a broad picture of how everything is connected. There's a whole load of skiing to be done in the Espace Killy area! For a more detailed map when you get on the mountain, pick up a paper copy of the piste maps from the lift company when you buy your pass.
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