Let's be honest for a moment. If you and your mates are looking for a ski trip that delivers on every level, Val d’Isère is where you need to be. I’ve just spent a week here, and between the unbelievable snow, legendary après, and a hotel that knows exactly what you need after a long day on the mountain, this place isn’t just good - it’s exceptional.
If you want to carve up some of the best slopes in Europe, party hard, and recover in pure comfort, read on.
Flawless snow, endless runs
Val d’Isère is as reliable as it gets when it comes to snow, with slopes reaching 3,450m, fresh powder is never in short supply. And with 300km of piste spread across the legendary Espace Killy ski area, there’s something for everyone - whether you’re here to cruise, charge hard, or find untouched powder.
For those easing into things, the gentle slopes in La Daille opposite the hotel are a great warm-up. Once you’re feeling good, the Mangard Blue Run is a perfect mix of smooth turns and stunning views, with a mid-run chalet stop that makes it even better.
If you’re up for a proper test, Le Face de Bellevarde is as tough as it sounds. Steep, technical, and relentless, this black run drops straight into town - the kind of run that earns you serious bragging rights.
And then there’s the off-piste scene. Untamed, unpredictable, and an absolute dream when the conditions are right. La Banane is a must for those looking for deep, effortless powder turns, while the Grande Motte Glacier at 3,500m is a playground for those who love fast, wide-open skiing at serious altitude.
But it’s not just Val d’Isère that makes this area so incredible. Tignes, its neighbouring resort, is part of the same ski area and well worth exploring. Just a few lifts away, Tignes offers a huge variety of skiing, from perfectly groomed blues to challenging reds and some of the best snow conditions you’ll find.
With multiple villages and high-altitude slopes, you can easily spend a full day or two making the most of everything Tignes has to offer. Whether you’re cruising down long, open pistes or tackling the epic runs off the Grande Motte Glacier, the variety here is unreal. The best part? It’s all included in your lift pass, making it an easy adventure from Val d’Isère.
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Neilson Mountain Experts - a game changer
I’ve been on a lot of ski holidays, but I’ve never experienced anything quite like the Neilson Mountain Experts sessions - especially not for free. This is next-level service, and it genuinely changed the game for us.
Here’s how it works:
You get not one, but two experts guiding you on the mountain.
- A Neilson Mountain Expert - someone who knows the area inside out, brings Neilson’s famous Good Energy, expert knowledge, and just a great vibe.
- A French ski or snowboard instructor from the main ski school - offering insider guidance on the best routes, conditions, and technique tips.
These sessions took us to the best spots on the mountain, matched to the conditions and our ability, meaning we got more out of every day. Whether you’re looking to find the best powder, build confidence, or just improve your skiing, this is one of the best perks of a Neilson ski holiday.
And the best part? It’s included in your holiday - no extra cost. If you’ve ever paid for ski guiding or lessons before, you’ll know how rare this level of service is without the extra price tag.
An absolute highlight of the trip.
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Aprés ski: Where the night comes alive
The skiing might be elite, but Val d’Isère’s après scene is on a whole different level.
La Folie Douce is iconic - live DJs, dancers, champagne showers, and a party that starts mid-afternoon and doesn’t let up. Skiing down after? Let’s just say, it’s an experience.
Cocorico picks up where Folie leaves off - live music, big tunes, and an atmosphere that makes it very difficult to call it an early night.
Le Petit Danois is a classic après spot for strong drinks, good food, and a crowd that’s here for a good time, not a quiet one.
If you’re not quite ready to head back yet, Doudoune Club is where the night really takes off. Big-name DJs, deep bass, and a party that goes into the early hours.
But if you’re looking for something a little closer to home, Bar La Rosée Blanche is right across the road from the hotel, next to the lifts. Live music every night, a buzzing atmosphere, and the perfect spot for a laid-back drink without the trek into town.
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Neilson Hotel La Tovière: The perfect base
A great ski trip needs a great base, and Neilson Hotel La Tovière gets it exactly right. Located in La Daille, you’re perfectly positioned to make the most of the mountain. You have the choice of the funicular train, which whisks you up to serious altitude with incredible runs off the top, or the gondola, offering quick access into Tignes - ideal if you’re looking to explore a whole new area for the day. Either way, you can roll out of bed and be on the slopes in minutes - no faffing, no hassle.
The rooms? Modern, stylish, and comfortable. After a long day on the mountain, this is exactly where you want to be.
The wellness area is a real sanctuary. A Jacuzzi, swimming pool, sauna, and steam room - just what your legs need after hours of shredding powder. And if you want to take the recovery up a notch, the on-site spa offers massages that will have you feeling brand new for the next day’s adventure.
And the food? They’ve nailed it.
Each morning, you’ll get a proper breakfast to fuel the day. A traditional continental spread with fresh croissants and fruit, plus a hearty cooked breakfast. But the real highlight? The chef’s daily special, which includes freshly made omelettes, eggs benedict, and other top-tier options.
In the evening, you’re in for a three-course meal. You select your menu choices at breakfast, so when dinner rolls around, it’s tailored to exactly what you’re craving. We chose to end our exceptional meal with a coffee and then wine and drinks from the bar, ready to relax in the lounge for the evening.
It’s laid-back, effortless, and exactly what you need to recharge for another big day on the mountain.
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Final word? This trip is the One
Some ski trips are good. Some are unforgettable. Val d’Isère is the latter. Epic snow, legendary après, and a hotel that gets everything right. If you and your crew are looking for the ultimate winter getaway, stop searching. You’ve found it.
Get your trip locked in now: Book Neilson Hotel La Tovière
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