Val d'Isere is deep in the Tarentaise valley of the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France

Where is Val d'Isere Ski Resort?

The Val d'Isere ski resort is only 5 km (3 miles) from the border (as the crow lies) with Italy and next door to Tignes. The closest major town is Bourg St. Maurice (30km away), which also acts as a major transport hub for the region.

The central part of town is called Val d’Isere, but Val d’Isere is actually a valley made up of various hamlets that are fairly close to the “Old Town”. As examples, it is 2km between the hamlet of Le Daille and Val d’Isere, and 2.4km between Val d’Isere and Le Fornet.

Flights to Val d’Isere

Chambéry (144km) is the nearest airport to Val d'Isère (about 2.5hr by road), followed by Geneva (187km / 3.5hr) and Lyon Saint-Exupéry (221km / 3.5hr).

Whilst Chambery is closest, it has a relatively limited schedule, restricted to weekends & only European or UK flight origins. For international travellers, Geneva & Lyon have a wide range of worldwide flight origins as well as excellent train, bus & shuttle links to Bourg St Maurice and Val d'isere.

To search and book the best airfares to Geneva, Lyon, Chambery or other airports, use our recommended flight search engine.

Airport & Hotel Transfers

The Powderhounds usually recommend taking the train & bus to ski resorts like Val d’Isere, mainly in order to ;POW (Protect Our Winters). However, if in a group of three or more people or you simply cannot abide public transport, take a private transfer direct to your hotel in Val d’Isere from the airport. Search & book private transfers here.

Train & Bus Travel to Val d’Isere

Bourg St Maurice is a key transport hub for all Tarentaise ski resorts including Val d’Isere. The Bourg St. Maurice train station is 35km from Val d’Isere & is on the schedule of numerous train lines including TGV, Eurostar & regional trains. Train travel is possible directly from the Geneva & Lyon St Exupery airports (with various connections), as well as London & Paris via fast train.

Search & book train tickets to Bourg St Maurice here .

Bus services run regularly from the Bourg St. Maurice station to Val d’Isere , taking less than an 1hr. Buy bus tickets at Bourg St Maurice railway station. Or you can take a local taxi for a substantially higher fee.

Driving to Val d'Isere

Driving out from the UK by car can be cheaper if you can share the journey with some mates. Bear in mind that the normal nine hour journey across France may take much longer if you chose to travel on a busy Saturday or encounter heavy snowfalls. Once at Val d’Isere you won’t need to use your car.

If hiring or renting a car, all of the major towns and airports have a range of options. Search & book all car rentals here.

Getting Around Val d’Isere

Val d'Isère is proud that is has reduced the volume of car traffic courtesy of its three shuttle bus routes offered free of charge. The Red, Green and Blue bus lines link the different areas of the resort from morning to night every day of the season (with reduced frequency in the evenings and in inter-season).

Nearby Ski Resorts

Aside from the interconnected Tignes, a festival of wonderful French Tarentaise valley ski areas, from mega resorts to 'secret stashes', are within an hours drive of Val d'Isere. They include: the world's largest fully interlinked resort the 3 Valleys (Courchevel, Meribel & Val Thorens); huge Paradiski (Les Arcs & La Plagne); plus the smaller La Rosiere (linked to Italy's La Thuile) and excellent Sainte Foy.