Just Val d'Isere

For many centuries Val d’Isere was a mountain village with long winters, where life was difficult and many villagers had to leave to find work in the valleys.

However, in the 1920 winter sports became fashionable and Val d’Isere was lucky in many ways. It was the perfect site for skiing and in 1937 the construction of a road (leading to the Col de l’Iseran pass, a link between Bourg Saint Maurice and Italy) changed the life of the village forever.

After the Second World War, Val d’Isere became internationally known and produced exceptional champions such as Henri Oreiller, the Goitchel sisters and Jean Claude Killy.

In the 1980s, parts of the village were redesigned for the 1992 Winter Olympics.Val d’Isere has managed to retain its pretty old village buildings around the old Church ( Baroque style, 1664) it is well worth a walk along the narrow streets.

Val d’Isere in facts and numbers

Population: 1,753.
The men are called ‘Avalins’, the women, ‘Avalines’.
Elevation: 1850 m (approx 6070 ft)
Present Mayor: Marc Bauer (elected in 2008)

Val d’Isere and Tignes combined is known as “L’espace Killy”. The ski area is vast with a modern and well thought out lift system. This Espace Killly has a very good snow record and with the added network of snow canons, ski is guaranteed from early December to May. The Val d’Isere/ Tignes area offers endless possibilities to on piste and off piste skiers. The amazing varied terrain on all expositions give the chance to find the best off piste itineraries throughout the skiing season.
Espace Killy in number: 155 pistes for all levels (total of 300km)

The baroque Portal of the church is exceptional. A arch bay between two columns holds the niche where the Saint is located. Bernard of the Alps is the patron of mountain dwellers. Many concerts are held in this pretty church of Val d’isere.
Skiing in France offers a variety a choices from the modern purpose built resort to the old Alpine villages. Val d’Isere was originally an Alpine village where life was hard and people cut off during the winter which explains was the church is so big compared to the population at the time.