If this story had been published on the first day of this month, we might have thought it was an April Fool. In fact, so convincing was Les Arcs’ press release that they would be opening for summer, that some websites even fell for it…!
But this is no April Fool. Even though the winter season will formally end next Tuesday on the 1 May 2018, Val d’Isère will open again on for skiing on Sunday 03 June 2018 – just 33 days later.
First time in 82 years that ‘normal’ pistes will be open
Val d’Isère does normally open the Pissaillas glacier for skiing in June, but this year will mark the first time in the 82-year history of the resort that that some of the regular pistes, located only just above the resort, will re-open for summer.
The snowfall in Val d’Isère has been exceptional this winter, with a 9m of snowfall recorded. Even though temperatures have shot up in the last week, there is still more than a metre in the village and the resort is reporting a deep cover of 245cm on the higher slopes.
Funicular and chairlift will be open
The pistes that have been designated to open in June include the top of the OK World Cup downhill run and the less demanding Verte.
As long as the weather and snow conditions play ball, the pistes will be open from 7am to midday each day. The Funival funicular from La Daille will be open for skiers and snowboarders and the slopes will also be served by the six-person Marmottes chair, which starts from just above the Folie Douce.
Pissaillas Glacier will open later in June
Val d’Isère is hoping the runs and lifts will stay open for a two week period, at which point the Pissaillas Glacier, above Le Fornet, will be opened.
A key advantage of this change is that it will give the resort’s snow-clearing teams extra time to clear the road up to the glacier and the Col de l’Iseran, the highest paved road in Europe and a popular cycling route through the summer.
Lift tickets from €28 per day
So if you’re desperate for some skiing, then why not take a trip to Val d’Isère. Lift tickets are just €28 per person per day (which compares well with £20-£30 for two hours at a UK snowdome).
Although the many catered chalets in Val d’Isere that Chaletline offers will not be open, there are still hotels and apartments available, and easyJet prices are as low as they’ll ever be!
Val d’Isere