Our top tips to plan your trip and your stay in Val d’Isère

• Snow chains are mandatory on at least two drive wheels in the presence of snow on a section of road with a sign indicating that winter equipment is required (“équipements spéciaux obligatoires”). If you need to fit chains, you must do so at one of the designated chain-fitting areas. On the road to Val d’Isère, you’ll find such an area, called “La Raie”, after passing Sainte-Foy Tarentaise.
• Alternatively, you are allowed to use snow socks on roads bearing this sign. In extreme conditions, however, this substitute equipment may under no circumstances be used in place of standard chains.
• We also remind you that, for obvious safety reasons, it is forbidden to overtake snowploughs in operation. In the event of a traffic jam, do not leave your vehicle unless asked to do so by the police!
• On leaving the resorts, you are strongly advised to carry the equipment required for driving in snowy weather.
• When the weather conditions are poor, adjust your speed accordingly and take extra caution.
• You may encounter a traffic-flow regulation system. To understand the purpose of these traffic lights, please consult the section on road conditions.

To find out the state of traffic on the roads or within the resort of Val d’Isère, get full real-time information on:

• Radio Val d’Isère (96.1 Mhz or by streaming) for local information
• Val d’Isère’s Facebook and Instagram pages for road and safety information
• Autoroute INFO (107.7 Mhz) for the motorway network

Situated at an elevation exceeding 1,800 metres, Val d’Isère has a typical mountain climate for which you must be equipped with specialist gear: warm, waterproof garments, gloves, woolly hats, and sunglasses designed for the mountain environment.

In addition, you must comply with safety rules, especially during heavy snowfall or strong winds. Our safety professionals carry out hazard prevention measures when the weather so requires, namely preventive triggering of avalanches, closure of ski lifts and closure of roads to pedestrians and/or to vehicles.