Last updated on July 7th, 2023 at 08:39 am
It’s always a pleasure to visit the magical resorts of Val-d’Isère and Tignes, having lived and worked in Val-d’Isère for 4 winters as well as numerous holidays, it’s somewhat a home away from home. Every time you go back you find a fascinating range of new luxury chalets and apartments, the constant strive for perfection in this alpine wonderland never stops. Located around 3 hours from Geneva Airport for those willing to transfer that far, the reward is in my opinion the best that the French Alps has to offer.
The former Espace Killy ski area, now the Tignes – Val-d’Isère ski area offers superb ski conditions that range from 1800m – 3450m with whooping 300 km of pistes, and that’s before you’ve even thought about venturing into the world renowned off piste. Home to a huge range of ski schools and with a whole host of childcare options, Val-d’Isère and Tignes both offer great options for those skiing with younger children. Both resorts offer a variety of slopes, with Tignes catering for more of an intermediate ability than its neighbouring resort. Although there are definitely more beginner friendly resorts out there, those who already possess a good level of ski ability and looking for more challenging pistes and off-piste conditions will be in heaven.
Despite the more technical level of the main resort, Val-d’Isère provides one of the best places in the world for beginners and young children to learn to ski. The flatter nursery slopes of the main lift area in the heart of town accessed by a magic carpet, button lift and smaller chairlift offer the perfect learning conditions for those making their first tracks.
During my trip, I visited several luxury Val-d’Isère chalets that stood out among the competition. I had the pleasure of viewing Chalet Ottawa, Chalet Hermine Blanche, and Chalet Snowy Breeze. Each of these properties had their own unique charm and character, but all share one thing in common – a meticulously high level of detail with nothing but the guests ultimate holiday experience in mind.
Chalet Ottawa was a spectacular six-bedroom luxury chalet that featured a beautiful open-plan living area, a cosy fireplace, and a luxurious indoor swimming pool. The chalet’s delightful exterior was made from beautiful local stone and provided a warm welcome to visitors. Of all the luxury chalets I visited in Val-d’Isère, Chalet Ottawa was the most unquestionably unique, its low ceilings and dark wood combined with a specific use of fabrics and furnishings give off a fascinating vibe of English country estate meets luxury alpine chalet vibe.
Chalet Hermine Blanche is a fantastic option for those looking for catered chalets in Val-d’Isère. Beautifully designed yet traditional with a gorgeous double height living space, the unassuming exterior gives way to a stunning modern interior, featuring indoor spa area, a large balcony and a living area with a fireplace overlooking the picturesque hamlet of Le Fornet. Located less than a 1 minute drive from the main telecabine in Le Fornet and just 5 minutes drive from the centre of town Chalet Hermine Blanche is perfect for those looking for a little more peace and quiet yet still wanting to make every minute of time count when it comes to skiing.
Chalet Snowy Breeze, is another magnificent five-bedroom chalet hiding in plain sight, complete with an indoor pool on the lower ground floor and with a stunning observatory style viewing area built into the corner of the living area for guest to be blown away by the unmatchable view of Le Rocher du Bellevard.
Chalet Ottawa, Val-d’Isère Pool Area
Chalet Hermine Blanche, Val-d’Isère Spa Area
Chalet Ottawa, Val-d’Isère Living Area
Chalet Snowy Breeze, Val-d’Isère Living Area
Chalet Snowy Breeze, Val-d’Isère Pool Area
Chalet Snowy Breeze, Val-d’Isère Living Area
We then transitioned to Tignes in order to view a wide variety of luxury chalet and apartments there. Tignes is split into four main areas, the high and snow sure Val Claret (2300m), the lively Tignes Le Lac (2100m), Tignes Le Boisses (1800m) and more modest Tignes Le Brevieres (1550m). In general Tignes offers well priced luxury chalet accommodation with quick easy access to the slopes and an excellent selection of ski-in/ski-out chalets in France.
I had the opportunity to visit the intriguing Chalet Tajj, a beautiful ski-in ski-out chalet with fantastic views of Le Lac and out towards Val Claret. Having worked in the luxury chalet industry for over 6 years in-resort and as an agent there’s not many things I haven’t seen before, but here the modern chic and interior design threw that back in my face with features such as a fish tank built into the wall/shower of one of the main bedrooms.
Chalet Tajj, Tignes Living Area
Chalet Tajj, Tignes Balcony View
Chalet Tajj, Tignes Dining Area
In conclusion, my trip to Val-d’Isère and Tignes was a truly unforgettable experience. If you are a lover of all things alpine luxury, fine dining, and winter sports then this sensational resort should definitely be on your bucket list. Just be warned – once you go, you might never want to leave!
To find out more about booking any of these incredible luxury ski chalets in Val-d’Isère and Tignes simply contact our experienced chalet specialists and we will send you a bespoke quote.
Written by Chris Ashwell – Sales and Marketing Specialist at The Chalet Edit
April 2023 Alpine Chalet Tour