Is the Underrated Summer Spot Every Outdoor Lover Should Visit

Up at an altitude of 1,850m, Val d’Isère becomes a life-sized adventure playground every summer.

From endless hiking, running trails and e-biking to family festivals and unique dining spots, there is a mountain experience for every type of visitor, whether seeking thrills or relaxation away from the crowds and summer heat. This season, visitors can expect new restaurants, history-themed e-biking routes, wellness programmes and a whole schedule of unmissable events.

What’s New

Adding to the endless ways to explore the area, Val d’Isère has introduced a new e-bike experience for travellers to learn about the village’s fascinating history. The Petite Vadrouille route will take cyclists to hidden spots with chances to try local produce and admire Baroque art. Helping little ones get more comfortable on wheels, the Chalet des Aiglons Kids Club is hosting a balance bike race around a special track once a week.

Additionally, Le Boui Boui, part of the Edelweiss restaurant, above Le Fornet, will open this summer. Nestled among the pine trees at an altitude of 2,200m, the bistro-style restaurant will offer homemade dishes, cooked outside, as well as live music every Saturday evening. Elsewhere on the mountain is L’Art des Mets restaurant, in the heart of the Manchet Sports Park. The team has been working on its own kitchen garden this year, growing a variety of herbs and vegetables, to educate guests on local produce, along with events and special workshops.

Trail Running

Known for its impressive trail routes, which bring athletes from all over the world, Val d’Isère is proud to be hosting the French Trail Championships & High Trail Vanoise from 5th-13th July 2025. Athletes will get to explore the unique terrain and Vanoise National Park, running through natural landscapes, forests, and beautiful nature reserves. Aside from these events, there are hundreds of trail running loops for runners to explore during their visit. A particular favourite from the Val d’Isère team is the Picheru-Bailletaz, a lovely loop, which features challenging climbs, rewarded with stunning lake views.

Small Adventures

Whilst surrounded by big mountains, Val d’Isère is home to a host of mini adventures for visitors to enjoy. From spending the night in a Refuge in the Vanoise National Park, embarking on a family-friendly tree-top adventure at the Lost Village, to taking an eMTB up to the top of Europe’s highest mountain pass, there is plenty to see and do. Also known for its gourmet scene, those looking for unforgettable dining experiences are in luck. As well as the new spot, Le Boui-Boui, visitors can head to Arsellaz Farm, where the owner serves a simple set menu with locally cured meats and cheeses in a beautiful setting. For romantic evenings watching the sunset over the Ouillette Lake, head to Restaurant de l’Ouilette for traditional Alpine dishes as well as a summer barbecue, which is on offer two nights a week.

Big Adventures

For travellers seeking a bigger thrill this summer, Val d’Isère is the perfect playground with over 200km of biking trails to explore. Expert bikers can take the challenge and try out the ‘Bellev’hard’, a black trail, which was redesigned in 2024, plunging down to the village filled with twists, turns and jumps. Other adventures include Paragliding, taking off from the Solaise and soaring down over 700 metres, or trying out the Via Ferrata mountain climb.

Slow Adventures

Also home to slower-paced adventures, visitors can explore Val d’Isère’s stunning landscapes on nature walks, guided by the enthusiastic mountain walker Frank Bortolotti, and learn more about wild plants and high-altitude forests. During these walks, Frank encourages participants to focus on their movement and open up to their inner self, in the hope of opening up to others and to the surroundings.

Perched at an altitude of 2,551 metres, the luxury hotel, Le Refuge de Solaise is encouraging visitors to reconnect with themselves. Combining a peaceful setting with stunning views, the hotel has placed wellbeing at the heart of its experience with a five-step “Reconnexion” signature ritual: Revitalise, Recover, Regenerate, Revive, Reconnect. This includes: a polar bath, massages, solar reflexology, mood-boosting ‘Elixirs’ and a special tea ceremony in a private bubble looking out across the peaks.

Unmissable Events

Val d’Isère is also hosting a full schedule of exciting sporting events and village festivities throughout the summer season:

13th June – Col de L’iseran Opening: Europe’s highest road pass
22nd June – Iserane: Legendary cycle ride along the closed road from Val d’Isère to Bonneval
5th-13th July – High Trail Vanoise & French Mountain Running Championships
16th July – Environment Day: Community focused litter picking on Val d’Isère’s slopes
26th & 27th July – Fête du Vieux Val: Party with live music, fireworks, themed parades and entertainment
29th & 31st July – Musixa-Ricerata Festival: A 3-day outdoor music festival, perfect for families
2nd & 3rd August – 20th Foire Savoyarde ‘L’Avaline’: A weekend full of activities at the traditional fair which showcases artisanal crafts
15th August – A day of music, drinks and fireworks
24th August – Fête de L’Ouillette: A Fisherman’s fair and lunch at the beautiful Ouillette Lake