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What's new in Val d'Isere 2017

Ski area developments, airport transfers, hotel refurbishments & more...

featured in News & reviews Author Ellie Mahoney, Val d'Isere Editor Updated

Winter is fast approaching and there's even been a bit of fresh snow on the mountain tops in the last few weeks.

As ever at this time of year we're getting ready for the coming winter and there's plenty of new developments and news to share with you. Find out what's new in Val d'Isere this winter.

a ski lift in the espace killy

Ski area improvements

A bit of re-shaping work has been done to the piste at the top of the "L" and "Mattis" pistes, ready for the snow to arrive. Remodelling has also taken place around the base of the Datcha chair lift.

The Datcha lift is due to become more nippy, as it will be changed over to a 'debrayable' format which means that it will be possible to carry more people per hour than before.

an electric car

Electric Airport Transfers

SnowDrone Transfers have added a Tesla Model X 100D to their fleet, with more electric vehicles to come over time. It can seat up to 6 passengers in luxurious leather seats. On board passengers will also have access to individual iPads packed with films, Bose noise cancelling headphones, WiFi and more. These vehicles are fully equipped for winter with all wheel drive and winter tyres.


CoolBus airport transfers are now offering carbon emission free transfers in not just one, but two fully electric vehicles. The Tesla Model X's are comfortable 7-seater SUV's with substantial luggage space with a range of around 350km. The plan is that the business will keep adding electric vehicles until they've phased out all of their diesel powered vehicles. CoolBus are offering this service this winter in Val d’Isere, Tignes, Les Arcs, La Plagne, Meribel, Courchevel, Les Menuires, Val Thorens, La Rosiere, Ste. Foy. Read more about CoolBus going electric in their blog.

What's new in Val d'Isere this winter 2017-18

Hotel Ormelune developments

Four star Hotel Ormelune has been having a bit of a makeover, inside and out, in time for the coming winter season. Inside they've added a whole new floor with 10 bedrooms and suites, extended the size of their gym and relaxation area, extended their meeting room and totally transformed the ground floor. Outside they've painted the facades and added two new side roofs.

an artists impression of a hotel in Val d'Isere

Avancher Hotel refurbishments

The Avancher hotel has been undergoing a huge transformation and will be relaunching this winter with a new look throughout. They're also launching a new Lodge with apartments for guests, where you can choose from apartment Alix, Snega or Emilou. It doesn't end there, take a look at their new spa which has a view over the Face de Bellevarde and a sauna up on the roof. They will also be opening a new bar. More photos to follow soon.

a website homepage

Cimalpes launch new website

Cimalpes have launched a new, much more user-friendly website helping you search for properties in a much more visual and inviting way. Use the new mapping tool to browse, search faster and fine tune your searches with the advanced filters.

Huski expands into more resorts

Food & drink delivery company Huski, have expanded their footprint this season, from 6 to 14 resorts: Tignes, Val D'Isere, St Foy, La Rosiere, Les Arcs, La Plagne, Meribel, Courchevel, Val Thorens, Les Menuires, Avoriaz, Morzine, Les Gets & Chatel. They've also improved their food range and now offer 70 dishes for teatime, to canapés, to dinners and desserts. And it's not just the food that's improved; they've improved their wine list working with boutique supplier Le Verre Gourmand and have added a local craft beer range and pre-mixed cocktails from London's Pontoon Cocktails.

Simply Transfers cuts prices

Simply Transfers have added a scheduled, shared service on Wednesdays from Geneva airport. One way will cost €65 and return €120, allowing you to take the return on one of their shared transfer days; Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Val d’Isère, Tignes and Val Thorens. They've also cut the price of Geneva transfers to €55 one way and €90 return. Grenoble transfers are cheaper too, priced at €59 one way and €99 return.

Saloon Bar finds a new home

Saloon Bar are changing location. Here's what they say:

Saloon Bar will have a new home in Val d’Isere this coming winter (2017-18). After 18 amazing seasons under the Hotel Brussels, we are moving to a new location (the old Café Face) opposite Dicks Tea Bar. The location is right in the heart of Val d’Isere and means it will be even easier to keep the party going with you all. It will provide an even better home to serve you great drinks, cracking tunes and a fantastic atmosphere. For those who loved the old Saloon Bar, or have fond (albeit hazy) memories, fear not! We will be keeping it alive for one more season, giving you an entire winter to say goodbye, get stuck to the floor, get sweaty and give it the send-off it deserves! Our former home will be known for its last season as the ‘Last Chance’, and our new home as SALOON BAR!

What's new in Tignes this winter 2017-18

Affordable chalet catering

My Secret Chef are Val d'Isere's best-kept secret. After working in an array of luxury hotels and chalets, Callum and Yasmin now operate an affordable and flexible chalet catering service. Enjoy a hearty breakfast, freshly baked cake and a three-course evening meal all prepared and served at your very own property for three days or more. And they even wash the dishes!

More inspiration...

Val d'Isere and Tignes ski area (the Espace Killy) is set to open on 25th November 2017. We'll see you on the slopes!