What’s new for winter 2023/24 in the heart of the French Alps in Isère?
Isère is a region of the French Alps with 21 ski resorts that spread across four mountain ranges – Oisans, Belledonne, Chartreuse and the Vercors – making Isère the third largest ski area in France.
Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the variety of terrain, atmosphere and altitude of Isère. Head to the big household names such as Alpe d’Huez, which boasts 300 days of sunshine and La Sarenne (the longest black run in France) and Les 2 Alpes, with its spectacular high-altitude glacier ski area. For young families after good value options, the smaller resorts of Vaujany, Chamrousse, Oz 3300 and Le Collet are all top picks. Whereas guests looking for a local feel, with off the beaten track villages, should try Villard de Lans / Corrençon en Vercors and Les 7 Laux, which has some of the best ski touring on offer.
These eight international resorts offer a wide variety of skiing and accommodation to suit all budgets. With incredible scenery and views, record amounts of snow, family-friendly facilities and accommodation, they will not disappoint.
ISÈRE is committed to SUSTAINABLE TOURISM: The tourist office, along with ski resorts and the department of Isère, are all working together to reduce their environmental impact and to raise awareness to all their visitors. Initiatives such as making ski lifts more energy-efficient, collecting waste and recycling materials, grooming ski runs in a way that minimises soil erosion, using renewable energy sources, offering free shuttle buses to limit the number of car journeys and protecting our local flora and fauna are an integral part of their commitment. https://www.isere-tourism.com/responsible-travel
Please enjoy this winter press pack and feel free to contact me if you have any questions, need more information or require images. You can view and download the press pack at Isere Winter press pack 2023:
Here are a few highlights of what is new for this winter in Isère. www.alpes-isere.com
Vallée Blanche, Les 2 Alpes
The Vallée Blanche sector is receiving a major upgrade to make it more accessible, efficient and environmentally friendly. By winter 2023, three new ski lifts will be completed, and a new green beginners’ slope will be built at Pied-Moutet. This will make the Vallée Blanche the ultimate skiing playground for everyone, regardless of their skill. Nighttime ski descents will also be making a comeback, and skiers can hit the slopes after dark using the Super Venosc gondola or the Vallée Blanche telemix chairlift, then afterwards, enjoy an evening at the high-altitude restaurant La Troïka.
At the bottom of the resort, three free-access training areas will be created: Coolidge (a carpet and a ski lift) and Champamé (a new ski lift). These areas will make it easier for skiers to learn and improve their skills. les2alpes.com
Top-class teens, Vaujany
The satellite resort of Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine Ski has just created a new programme of weekly lessons for teenagers called Team Rider. Throughout the season, the course is designed to help teenagers improve their freeride and freestyle skills. Level required: Gold Star. www.esf-uk.co.uk/ski-school/vaujany/
100% female at the ESF, Alpe d’Huez
Women make up 47% of skiers, so the French Ski School (ESF) has created an exclusively female Ladies Camp. The three-half-day programme, led by an experienced female instructor, has three different options: Progression Ski, Precision Ski and Premium for a mix of skiing, massages, yoga and wellness. www.ski-school-alpedhuez.co.uk/esf-alternatives/ladies-camp/progression-ski/
A ski lift in reclamation mode – Villard Reymond, Oisans
If you’re looking for a unique and sustainable skiing experience, be sure to check out the village of Villard Reymond. The ski area might be (extremely) small, but it has one remarkable feature: one solitary ski lift. What sets this lift apart, however, is its ingenious construction story. Local volunteers gathered salvaged lift components from various sources to build it. The lift officially holds safety certification by the STRMTG. Volunteers now run it, providing rides for just €7 / £6 a day: a fantastic example of how sustainability and innovation can go hand-in-hand.villard-reymond.fr
A single, transferable season pass, Oisans
Col d’Ornon, a small, family-friendly resort in Oisans with pristine slopes, is offering a single, transferable season pass that covers both downhill and cross-country skiing. The pass costs just €190 / £162 for the whole season and it can be shared with friends or family, but only one person at a time. With eight marked downhill pistes and four ski lifts (1,350 m – 1,900 m) guests can learn about the joys of Alpine skiing away from the crowds. Slopes are aimed at both beginners and experienced downhill skiers, with some of the steepest black slopes in Oisans. Beginners can go to “Le Plan du Col”, where a ski lift and the Bambi (free baby lift) serve two green runs and a safe area for learning. More experienced skiers should head to “Les Hauts du Col”, home to two drag lifts that provide access to a green run, a blue run, two red runs and two black pistes. Hire the Hauts de Col slopes for €2,500 / £2,130 for the day! col-dornon.com
New lease of life for Hôtel Les Cîmes, Vaujany
Ski France has added Hôtel Les Cimes to its collection. Just a stone’s throw from Vaujany’s restaurants, shops and cable cars, the hotel offers 10 cosy, warm and modern rooms, some with balconies, showcasing spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The hotel can be booked on a bed and breakfast or half-board basis, depending on the guest’s needs. The bar and restaurant are always buzzing, and the staff will be on hand to serve signature cocktails and mocktails – or their own, fun inventions – in the cosy lounge. The restaurant’s breathtaking mountain views complement the taste of their dishes made from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. It’s safe to say, the transformation has been a massive success. vaujany.com
