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| Airport | Distance to Val d'Isere | Approx. transfer time by road |
| Chambery | 141km | 2 hours |
| Geneva | 177km | 3 hours |
| Grenoble | 208km | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Lyon St Exupery | 218km | 2 hours 30 minutes |
The majority of airlines fly into Geneva (Switzerland), which is 177km from Val and has the most transport links to transfer you to the resort. The next biggest airport is Lyon St Exupery, which has public buses to the ski stations. The smaller airports of Chambery and Grenoble are closer but public transport links are fewer.
Train
Unfortunately there are only a couple of trains a week - normally Fridays and Saturdays. Eurostar runs a direct train from London on these days, which terminates in Bourg St Maurice for Val d'Isere. The Snowtrain, run by Rail Europe, means a change in Paris but you can party all night in their legendary ‘disco carriage' - the ruin of many people's first day skiing! If you are after more flexibility, you can take the train to Paris and change onto the French train to the Alps.
Transfers
Bus transfers are the most economical way to travel to resort from the airport or train station. If possible, try to book your tickets well in advance - the buses can get very busy and some companies act on a reservation-only basis.
Hiring a car however, is the most flexible option of traveling to Val and it means you can travel around to see other resorts in the area. Be aware though that you will have to pay to park your car in paid parking for your time there (around €70 for seven days). There is a free car park in the smaller village of La Daille.
For door-to-door, private transfers or taxis are a good option, but not the cheapest.
Self-drive
Driving to Val d'Isere will take you about 12 hours once you reach Calais or Boulogne. The motorways are the quickest route but you will have to pay around €50-60 in toll charges each way.
Be warned that many satnav and internet routes show the quickest way from UK to Val as going through the Mont Blanc tunnel and over Col du Petit St. Bernard pass. The St. Bernard pass is nearly always closed from November through to June every year. Instead head through Lyon and Chambery towards Albertville. Don’t forget snow chains!
| Report date: | 30 Apr 2008 |
|---|---|
| Last snowed: | 21 Apr 2008 |
| Fresh snow: | 15cm |
| Lifts open: | 45 out of 46 |
Snow depth | |
| Lower slopes: | 72cm |
| Upper slopes: | 110cm |
Piste information | |
| On-piste: | Excellent |
| Off-piste: | Varied |
| Resort runs: | Packed |
