Val d'Isère (Savoie– A cool haven perched at an altitude of 1850 metres, Val d’Isère wants to reaffirm its status as a major four-season Alpine destination this summer. XXL bike park, high mountain trails, alpine lakes, mythical passes, bivouacking in the Vanoise National Park, sporting events, village festivals and contemplative experiences… Summer 2026 is shaping up to be particularly action-packed in the Savoyard resort.
What’s new: a 100% e-MTB day out in Bellevarde
It's one of the new summer events in Val d'Isère. On 29th August 2026, the resort will launch the first edition of the «Bellevarde Uphill Flow», an event entirely dedicated to e-MTBs.
The principle: celebrate the ascent rather than the descent, on the Magic Fairy slope completely re-imagined for the occasion with entertainment, challenges, and workshops accessible to all levels.
The day will conclude in a much more festive atmosphere with a concert, refreshments, and activities around the La Daille pumptrack.
A way for Val d’Isère to further assert its summer shift towards electric cycling and accessible outdoor pursuits.
Outdoor activities
The Tignes – Val d'Isère Bike Park and MTB routes
It’s impossible to talk about Val d’Isère without mentioning cycling. With over 230 kilometres of bike park shared with Tignes, 11 e-MTB routes and trails accessible from the village right up to the summits, the resort confirms its status as an XXL playground for riders.
The bike park is set to open from 4 July to 30 August 2026, with two ski lifts accessible from Val d’Isère.
Mountain bikers will find:
- ski slopes,
- Enduro course,
- enrolment zones,
- e-bike trails,
- and the «First Ride» discovery zone.
Another eagerly awaited new development is the opening of the Bellevarde Café at the summit of Bellevarde. A new establishment designed for high-altitude lunch breaks, offering charcoal-grilled cuisine and summer salads in a much more convivial and contemplative atmosphere.
The cool refuge of the Alps
In Val d’Isère, summer is also experienced as a climate escape.
Perched at an altitude of 1850 metres, the village benefits from temperatures rarely exceeding 25°C, with torrents, glaciers and waterfalls as a backdrop.
Among the most popular spots:
- Lake Ouillette at 2400 metres,
- The Fornet waterfall,
- The Way of the Springs,
- or even the Col de l'Iseran at 2,770 metres, the highest paved pass in the Alps.
Accessible free of charge by cable car or bike, Lac de l’Ouillette has become one of the major summer classics in Avoriaz for:
- picnics,
- The bivouacs,
- or sunsets facing the peaks.
High mountains and bivouacs in Vanoise
Base camp at the foot of peaks reaching nearly 3800 metres, Val d’Isère also cultivates a strong high-mountain culture.
Visitors will be able to, among other things:
- Discover the two via ferratas of Roc de Tovière and Plates de la Daille,
- Set off on the Grand Paradis Vanoise Nature Trek between France and Italy,
- stay overnight in a refuge in the Vanoise National Park.
The Prariond refuge remains one of the most accessible experiences for families, with less than two hours' walk before reaching a spectacular valley at over 2300 metres altitude.
Astronomy enthusiasts will also be able to enjoy several areas with no light pollution around the Col de l'Iseran or the Manchet valley to observe the Perseids in August.
Events not to be missed
L'Iserane and the major cycling events
On 21 June 2026, the Col de l'Iseran will be completely closed to motor vehicles and reserved for cyclists for «L'Iserane».
Over 500 cyclists are expected to take on the 30 kilometres between Val d’Isère and Bonneval-sur-Arc in an atmosphere that is much more convivial than competitive.
Odlo High Trail Vanoise
It’s the big trail running event of the summer. On 11 and 12 July, nearly 2,000 runners will take part in the various races of the Odlo High Trail Vanoise.
This 2026 edition will offer several formats:
- 8 km charity run,
- intermediate courses,
- up to the grand format of 56 km across the landscapes of the Vanoise National Park.
The Savoyard Fair The Avaline
On 1 and 2 August, the heart of the village will host the 21st edition of «L'Avaline».
With 130 exhibitors expected, this grand traditional fair will showcase:
- Savoyard crafts,
- Products from the Italian Piedmont,
- Alpine gastronomy,
- and local know-how.
All this in a very festive atmosphere with concerts and entertainment.
Crazy Loops at Lac de l'Ouillette
On August 22nd and 23rd, the organisation of the Marathon des Sables will be making a stop in Val d'Isère with «Crazy Loops».
The concept: running for 24 hours on a 3 to 5 kilometre loop around Lac de l’Ouillette, at an altitude of over 2400 metres.
Our favourite: meeting the shepherds and their Pyrenean Mountain Dogs
This is undoubtedly the most authentic summer experience in Val d'Isère.
Each week, the tourist office organises themed walks on pastoralism to meet shepherds on alpine pastures and better understand the role of Pyrenean Mountain Dogs in protecting flocks.
An opportunity to discuss:
- life in the mountains,
- pastoral challenges,
- and the coexistence between hikers and livestock.
Another topic of great interest this summer: the Bearded Vulture. A new fledgling is expected in the Gorges de la Daille following several encouraging observations of the pair settled in the municipality.
Where to sleep in Val d'Isère?
Le Refuge de Solaise
Standing at an altitude of 2551 metres, this former cable car, transformed into a premium refuge, continues to captivate a clientele seeking reconnection and freshness.
Yoga, an exceptional panorama, silence, and high mountains make up the experience.
The Blizzard
This five-star institution in Val d'Isère remains a benchmark for its warm atmosphere and outdoor swimming pool overlooking the mountain peaks.
The refuges of the Vanoise National Park
For a wilder experience, the Prariond and Fond des Fours mountain huts allow you to spend a night in the heart of the high mountain landscapes.
Where to eat in Val d'Isère?
L'Arsellaz Farm
Accessible in less than an hour's walk or by e-MTB, this high-altitude farm has become one of the essential gourmet stops of the summer.
People come here for:
- the omelette,
- the blueberry tartlet,
- and an authentic alpine atmosphere.
The Boui-Boui in Fornet
At the heart of nature, this establishment offers a concise and ever-changing menu centred around seasonal produce in a much more intimate atmosphere.
The Adroit Farm
The Mattis family continues a true alpine tradition here with its on-site produced cheeses, yoghurts and ice creams.
The guided tours offered in the summer also allow visitors to discover the making of Avalin, the village's emblematic cheese.
How to get to Val d'Isère?
By train
The nearest station is still Bourg-Saint-Maurice, located about 40 minutes from the village.
By car
Val d’Isère is accessible:
- via the Route des Grandes Alpes,
- via the Col de l'Iseran pass,
- or from Italy via the Petit-Saint-Bernard.
On the move
In summer, several free shuttle buses connect the hamlets and hiking trailheads. Pedestrian ski lifts are also free in certain areas.
Val d’Isère, in brief
Between glaciers, high mountains, bike parks, Savoyard heritage and major sporting events, Val d’Isère continues to cultivate a very unique Alpine identity.
Fresher, more contemplative, and sportier than ever in summer, the Savoyard resort confirms its ambition: to become an unmissable mountain destination well beyond winter.
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