Cross-Country Skiing in Val d’Isère

Val d’Isère ski resort offers an exceptional experience on multiple levels. Its ski area, the Espace Killy, is vast! With the help of ski lifts, you can reach high-altitude areas, immerse yourself in nature, and even visit charming alpine villages. Alpine skiing in Val-d’Isère also gives you the chance to tackle the famous Face de Bellevarde, a highly technical run loved by ski enthusiasts.

Every day, you can explore different parts of the ski area, improve your skills on new slopes, enjoy ever-changing scenery, and even practice cross-country skiing. The resort features 12.4 miles of trails. Some routes are located in the lower part of the village, while others are higher up around Lac Ouillette. There are six trails spread across four sectors—La Daille, Le Manchet, Le Laisinant, and La Solaise—all providing access to Lac d’Ouillette.

To reach these trails, skiers can use the free shuttle service offered by the resort. For the high-altitude Ouillette sector, ski lifts are required. Once there, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the peaks, abundant snow, and a panorama of Vanoise National Park.

The Val d’Isère ski area is connected to the nearby resort of Tignes. Thanks to the ski lifts, you can easily access 6.2 miles (10 km) of cross-country skiing trails. You’ll also have the chance to explore the Grande Motte Glacier and Tignes Lake!

One of the great advantages of cross-country skiing is that it allows you to explore different trails and reach places inaccessible by car. Cross-country skiing in Val d’Isère and its surroundings lets you admire the exceptional Vanoise National Park, which has been active for nearly 60 years and spans 362,000 acres. Known as the “jewel of the Alps,” it is home to 1,200 species, including 107 protected ones, that you may encounter during your Nordic adventure.

To experience this, start from one of the ski resorts located on the park’s edge, such as Val-d’Isère, Aussois, or Bessans. In the nearby resort of Tignes, accessible via ski lifts, you can explore the incredible Grande Motte Glacier. Open nearly year-round, it is the highest point in Tignes at 11,995 ft above sea level. Here, you can enjoy 12.4 miles of skiing, including cross-country trails with panoramic views of the Alps.

Did you know that the Italian border is not far from Val-d’Isère? The Aosta Valley is also renowned for its hundreds of miles of cross-country skiing trails, definitely worth exploring. For a day trip, consider visiting the Brusson ski resort, which hosts numerous competitions every year. Its cross-country trails are as beautiful as they are well-maintained.

In Cogne, you’ll find 50 miles of trails set in a pristine natural environment. For added convenience, these resorts offer facilities where you can prepare your skis, eat, change, and even shower! Many guided excursions are also organized—ask for details.

Val-d’Isère is a destination loved by families and all generations. Cross-country skiing enthusiasts will appreciate the variety of trails and the opportunity to explore the mountains in a unique way.