‘There is no such thing as too much snow,’ stated Doug Coombes, the man who pioneered extreme skiing. Any avid skier will relate to this quote, as you end one winter ski holiday just to dream of the next, when you can return to the mountains once again. In the summer period, Val D’isere ensures this dream becomes a reality with its summer skiing on the Pissaillas glacier, allowing for skiing even in the warmest of seasons, at one of the top resorts in the remarkable French Alps.

Opening up for the first time since the pandemic hit in March 2020, Val D’isere is offering up its Pissaillas glacier for all avid skiers to get their fill of adrenaline rushes – even in the summer. Val D’isere is notorious for its stunning skiing and variety of top-notch restaurants and bars, making it the perfect destination for a summer holiday for those with an insatiable appetite for skiing.

For years, since the late 1960s, summer skiing has been available in the resort, making it a sought-after destination for ski fanatics. One of the upsides to summer skiing also sees the slopes much less crowded than in the popular winter season, allowing for unlimited skiing whilst the summer sun shines above the mountains.

Six pistes in total are open on the glacier, which allows the perfect amount of light summer skiing. The slopes are open every day from 7am to midday, in order to give skiers the best conditions, which start to deteriorate due to the warm weather past noon. Neighbouring resort to Val D’isere, Tignes, will also have the Grande Motte glacier open for summer skiing, ensuring a wide variety of slopes are available to all. Visitors can be sure they will be athletically fulfilled with a combination of 12 ski lifts and 20 kilometres of runs in the two resorts. The slopes include Moraine, Pissaillas and Montet, with Champions, Pers and Roche open for competition only.

The summer skier requires a refreshing, ice cold beverage accompanied by a top-quality meal to re-fuel after hours of stunning skiing. Kick back, relax and bask in the alpine sun as Val D’isere is not only known for its incredible skiing, even in the summer, but also its cultivated gourmet scene. With numerous Michelin star restaurants, this resort truly encapsulates everything the avid skier would wish for in a summer ski holiday

Hosting various mountain restaurants, including the notorious La Peau du Vache, Val D’isere’s culinary sector ensure skiers can enjoy delicious food, whilst still on the mountain top, surrounded by luscious pine trees and a thick blanket of snow. On resort level, even more seasoned restaurants can be found, including two Michelin star holder L’Atelier d’Edmond and La Grande Ours – considered one of the best places to eat in the entire resort. 

However, summer skiing in Val D’isere is not the only activity available, with numerous other such as open-air yoga, glacier walking and helicopter flights. Given the summer period, other mountainous activities such as mountain biking or hiking can also be partaken in. Canyoning and canoeing also prove popular in the summer season, or if further adrenaline inducing is required, then scaling the Via Ferrata rock face might appeal, especially for beginners. If active escapades don’t appeal, Val D’isere boasts numerous spa and relaxation facilities to relax and unwind in after a long day of skiing.

The summer skiing season in Val D’isere is a summer holiday which remains unmatched for those who have an insatiable appetite for skiing. Val D’isere resort itself remains the perfect place for a summer getaway, whether this be for the avid skiers, or for those who enjoy other summer outdoor activities. With glorious restaurants, stunning mountain scenes, and unbeatable summer skiing, Val D’isere really is the perfect summer ski-holiday destination for all.