Val d’Isère Unveils Exciting News for the 2025/26 Winter Season
Edited by Patricia Bech
Val d’Isère, France is delighted to announce its latest news for the 2025/2026 season, as the world-renowned alpine resort prepares to open for another magical winter on the slopes from the 29th November 2025 – 3rd May 2026.
With its combination of world-class sport, luxury accommodation, cutting-edge gastronomy and sustainable commitments, Val d’Isère promises an unforgettable winter, cementing its position as one of the world’s leading mountain destinations.
Skiers won’t want to miss ‘First Tracks’ – the opening weekend from the 29th November – 30th November 2025, where visitors can book two-nights accommodation, ski passes, equipment tasters and entry to the leisure centre, alongside other special deals when booking direct through Val d’Isère Reservations.
New Accommodation
Adding to its world-class accommodation offering, Val d’Isère is excited to announce several new additions to the resort. Following the successful opening of Experimental Chalet last season, the hotel is introducing new penthouses on the top floor. Designed by Dorothée Meilichzon in a forest theme, the three penthouses are defined by their large interior spaces and breathtaking views of the mountains and village from the hotel’s fifth floor. In addition, Purple Ski has introduced a brand-new luxury chalet, spread across three spacious floors, and just a short walk from the village centre. Chalet Cervinia offers ultimate indulgence with features such as a private cinema room, ski room, spa with an indoor hot tub, sauna and massage room as well as a large indoor swimming pool. Guests can also enjoy all of Purple Ski’s premium services, including a private chef, chauffeur and concierge.
Families and groups will also find a selection of new luxury aparthotels by Village Montana, located on the top floor of the Ski Lodge Hotel in the heart of the village, combining space, comfort and access to all of the hotel’s services. At the foot of the slopes, Le Parc 1963 introduces eleven beautifully designed apartments by Capezzone Architecture, three of which are managed by Hip Hideouts for a highly personalised stay. The four-star Alpina Lodge is also reopening following a full renovation, offering modern Alpine apartments with private hammam showers and high-end services.
New Restaurants
Val d’Isère is also adding to its unrivalled food offering this season. IMA, a vibrant new restaurant, will bring the flavours of the Middle East to Val d’Isère in a lively, celebratory setting, while Bottleneck at K2 Chogori, named after a passage taken to reach the summit of K2, will serve traditional dishes with creative flair, complemented by fine cheeses and patisserie from award-winning chefs. Further up the mountain, La Folie Douce reinvents its culinary and creative space with the launch of “La Petite Cuisine -Gare Centrale”, a dynamic 650m² hub that combines all of Folie Douce’s services – food, drinks, performances, workshops and music in an industrial-chic setting.
Smart Skiing
On the slopes, Val d’Isère is unveiling a series of innovations designed to make the skiing experience more immersive and accessible than ever. At the top of the Vallon gondola, a newly opened station brings Alpine history to life through an interactive installation, while two panoramic terraces at Solaise and Fornet provide refuge and breathtaking views over the surrounding peaks. Pedestrian access has also been simplified with QR code entry across the ski lifts from La Daille, Solaise and Le Fornet, ensuring seamless movement around the resort.
This year also marks a historic sporting milestone as Val d’Isère celebrates the 70th edition of the Critérium de la Première Neige, one of the most prestigious Alpine skiing competitions in the world. From 13 to 21 December 2025, the world’s top athletes will gather on the renowned slopes of Face de Bellevarde and Oreiller-Killy.
Fun for Families
Known as one of the most family friendly ski resorts, Val d’Isère has further added to its offerings with a range of thoughtful initiatives. Children under eight can ski for free on the whole Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area, allowing families to explore the extensive slopes and enjoy the Val Kids area with an adventure slope, play area and picnic area. The Folie Douce has also introduced an innovative and immersive selection of workshops for children to get their creative juices flowing. For children aged 6 to 14, they can choose from three different workshops: Chocofolie, a chocolate-filled experience, First Track, introducing kids to the world of DJing, and Studio Folie, to customise their own fashion accessory and take part in a photo shoot.
In addition to these exciting workshops, every week, in both summer and winter, the Tourist Office rolls out a programme of free entertainment activities for all ages including; sledging, cross-country and downhill skiing races, torchlight descents, animal watching with the Vanoise National Park wardens, and much more.
Sustainability also remains at the heart of the resort’s vision for the future. The new “Preserve Val d’Isère” campaign calls for collective awareness, and highlights the resort’s goal of becoming a zero-litter mountain by 2030, while its fleet of electric buses has expanded to fifteen, with the ambition of becoming fully electric next season. Accessibility is also a priority, with expanded initiatives from the Val d’Isère Handisport Association and a strong focus on inclusive tourism across the village and ski area.
Imagery: Val d’Isere
Copy: Travel bulletin compiled by Patricia Bech
Looking back…
Ski Special 2025 – The Sloaney
