To kick off the summer season, Val d’Isère Reservation is offering the Val Pass* on direct bookings for the opening weekend, from 28th June, running up to 7th July, providing unlimited access to 25 amazing activities as well as a 10% discount on a great selection of others including golf, archery, climbing, and e-biking. See below for an overview of the best experiences travellers have to look forward to this summer.
Trails & Treks
Every summer, keen cyclists flock to Val d’Isère to ride the Col de L’Iseran, the highest paved pass in Europe, providing a unique opportunity to take in the views of the charming villages and striking glaciers from an altitude of 2,770 metres. The Iseran pass will be open to cyclists from 8th June for the summer, also providing access to summer skiing on the Pisaillas Glacier and Maurienne Valley, before the L’Iserane event on 23rd June where the road is closed to offer cyclists a private and special experience.
As well as this, Val d’Isère has enhanced the 18km Boucle Gourmand ‘Val Pesto’ gourmet trail by installing informative panels about the local history and wildlife around the route, making this the perfect trail for food fanatics . Looping around the village via a marked trail, riders can stop off at different artisans to sample local products and enjoy a refreshing drink.
Keen riders can now head to the new Val Velo Village to learn all about the mountain biking in the national park, the different types of MTB and the history behind the trails. Val d’Isère is also pleased to offer cycle-friendly accommodation across a selection of their hotels, which provide secure bicycle storage, bike washing facilities, as well as hotel organised eMTB rides.
Gourmet Openings
Visitors who aren’t solely focused on flying round the mountain on an e-bike, will be pleased to hear that Val d’Isère are welcoming three new gourmet spots this summer. Visitors can head to L’Alpin, a traditional chalet style restaurant in the heart of the village, serving cosy French dishes, or head further up to L’Ouillette, for a summer barbecue or fondue looking out over the lake at 2,400m up! However the sport fanatics are also in luck with the new L’Art des Mets , a bar and restaurant located in the Manchet Sports Park, serving 100% homemade dishes using only local produce.
Relaxation & Wellness
Val d’Isère recognises that every holiday should involve some sense of relaxation and connection, and where better to feel at peace than surrounded by striking green mountains. Offering the best view in Val d’Isère sitting at an altitude of 2,551 metres, Le Refuge de Solaise, prides itself on serenity and offers wellness seekers an exclusive “Reconnection” experience. This signature ritual has five phases: Revitalise, Recover, Regenerate, Revive, Reconnect, and is available to both hotel guests as well as external customers, who are looking to rebalance their energies, and awaken the senses.
Making the most of the beautiful open skies, Val d’Isère is an ideal destination to try star gazing, and the team have recommended the best spots including a lakeside view, a refuge in the Vanoise National Park and the Manchet Valley in the village to spot the unique shooting stars. Keen astronomers can time their visit with The Esprits Curieux festival, which offers free stargazing sessions with professional astronomers on 8th, 9th and 10th August.
Exciting Events
Kicking off the summer season is the High Trail Vanoise, a trail running weekend for athletes of all abilities and ages, from 5th-7th July, bringing together over 1,500 trail runners to take part in six different races around the stunning mountain terrain.
Additionally, a highlight and new addition for Val d’Isère this summer is the Naturons Nous! Event, running from 15th-19th July to offer a week full of action, education and fun – all dedicated to the local environment. Guests can help support the ancient village through exploring the local forests and mountains, cleaning up the ski area, and taking part in educational workshops and competitions. On the 3rd and 5th of August is La Foire Avaline, a traditional folk festival, celebrating its 19th year with concerts, free family-friendly entertainment and traditional games as well as the chance to try out a wide range of authentic cuisine and handiwork from local providers.
*Following 7th July, Val Pass is available for €99 for six days, or €29 a day with a discount if the stay is booked directly through Val d’Isère Reservation.
