When you travel with Daytrip, you can easily stop to visit Annecy. This ancient city feels simply magical—filled with flowers, stately buildings, canals, and history. After your tour of Annecy, you can stop at the medieval town of Conflans. This ensconced town is a more historic village, but wandering its streets will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

These towns are worth exploring, but they are very different from Val d’isere, a skiing gem that's not so hidden but worth visiting. Trust us, we know, and your driver will be more than happy to help you learn why it's a desirable destination before you get there.

In Val d’Isere, every building, mountain peak, and narrow street is shrouded in a quiet history that captivates and entices. This resort town was founded in 1888 when the first hotel was opened in what was once the village center.

When the skiing trends of the 1930s came to the village, Val d’Isere grew into a town and became popular among those who enjoyed winter sports. In fact, it saw a massive emergence of winter sports and became a world-class resort following the post-war period. People flocked to the town, and they haven't stopped. The authentic charm of the village and the exceptional ski area make it an unforgettable destination.

Upon arrival, Val-d’Isère is nestled in a charming valley surrounded by towering mountains. The town is adorned with quaint, chocolate-box-style chalets and offers a selection of high-end, luxurious hotels. Despite its current status as a premier destination for ski enthusiasts and those captivated by snow-covered peaks, Val-d'Isère wasn’t always such a hotspot.

Originally a small alpine farming village with a history spanning over a thousand years, Val-d'Isère began transforming into a ski resort in the 1930s. As you now know, the town gained international attention during World War II, particularly after the first ski lift was constructed in 1936, marking the beginning of its development into a central winter sports hub. Since then, Val-d'Isère has hosted significant events, including the 1992 Winter Olympics and the Alpine Ski World Championships.

Today, Val-d'Isère is renowned not only for its vast ski terrain but also for its luxurious accommodations and lively après-ski atmosphere, drawing visitors worldwide. Plus, visitors can enjoy more than just skiing; Val-d'Isère offers quaint hamlets on its outskirts, a variety of shops, a sports center, fine dining options, and even a museum, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Don't forget your snow chains

If you plan to drive yourself to Val d’Isere from Camberley in the winter, make sure your vehicle is equipped with snow chains. If you rent a car, you should be able to request snow chains. If you ride with Daytrip, your driver will be prepared.

When traveling in winter, pack appropriately

The weather in Val d’Isere differs from the weather in Chambery. It's often colder in Val d’Isere, so it's important to pack appropriately. If you plan to visit during the snow season, you'll need full winter gear, including thermal wear, gloves, inner clothing, and specialized gear like snow glasses or goggles. Of course, Val d’Isere is also a luxury destination, so you can also do some shopping when you get there.

Make sure you budget enough money for accommodation

If you plan to stay in Val d’Isere, you must budget correctly. Unfortunately, prices can be expensive, especially in the peak season. Luxury accommodations cost more than $1000 a night, while even the budget-friendly options can range between $150 and $500 a night.

From Chambery to Val d’Isere by bus

Many find that booking a bus with companies like Altibus and Ouibus is a convenient and cost-effective way to travel from Chambery to Val d’Isere. If you book a bus, ticket prices will vary between $28 and $40 and you will need to head to Camberley bus station to catch the bus.

Depending on road conditions and traffic, you should also prepare for the trip to take between two and a half and three hours. In addition, you should know that buses run a few times daily during the ski season, but buses to Val d’Isere can be infrequent outside of this season.

From Chambery to Val d’Isere by train

Unfortunately, taking the train is not the easiest way to get from Chambery to Val d’Isere. This is because there is no direct train. If you take the train, you must book a trip from Chambery to Bourg-Saint-Maurice. From here, you will need to take a bus to Val d’Isere.

Usually, the train ride alone takes about one and a half to two hours, and then the bus transfer takes another hour to an hour and a half. This makes the entire trip about three to three and a half hours.

If you decide to book a train and bus transfer, you should expect the train ticket to cost between $15 and $30 and the bus ticket to cost between $11 and $17, making the entire trip cost between $26 and $47. Although this can be frustrating, the biggest benefit is that you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the French Alps along the way.

From Chambery to Val d’Isere by private car transfer service

If you want a comfortable, convenient, exciting, and insightful trip experience, consider traveling from Chambery to Val d’Isere with Daytrip. The trip will also only take about two hours if you travel directly, making it the fastest way to travel.

When you choose Daytrip, you’ll be paired with an English-speaking driver and a comfortable vehicle. Your driver will bring you to sightseeing stops along the route and they will also share local knowledge to help you have an enjoyable experience.

Your driver will also handle your luggage, which is a blessing when you're traveling with ski or snowboard gear. You can sit back and relax while you enjoy the passing scenery. Cost-wise, traveling with Daytrip starts at $66 per person.

So, to help you decide what to do when you visit, we’ve listed a few of the best activities—yes, including a snow-related one. No matter your age or preferences, you’re likely to enjoy the activities we listed below:

Drive a dog sled or skidoo

If you're an adrenaline junkie who wants to participate in a few snow adventure activities, you might want to try driving a dog sled or Skidoo. You can ride your own skidoo or have a sled drawn by horses or pulled by huskies if you want a faster, more thrilling experience. If you choose to enjoy a horse-drawn sled ride, they depart from the Igloo du Loup in Val D’Isere. You must book in advance as this is a popular activity in the resort town.

Book a tandem flight

If you want to enjoy a bird's eye view of the mountains in Val d’Isere, you can enjoy a flight in the skies by booking a helicopter flight. But if you want something even more unforgettable, book yourself a tandem paragliding flight.

The best paragliding locations usually include the Olympique gondola and the Solaise Telepherique at the Tete de Solaise. However, there are no plane tours or airports, so be prepared for this when you visit.

Go for a swim

It might seem like an impossibility, but it's possible to enjoy a relaxing swim in Val d’Isere if you visit the Aquasportif. This sports center has multiple swimming pools and spas and has a host of indoor sports halls if you feel like enjoying another sporting activity after your swim. Most also choose to try working out in the gym after a swim, especially those who’ve fallen victim to overindulging in Chevallot pastries.

During these months, the resort sees its best snowfall, resulting in many beautiful powder days. However, you should note that these months are the busiest as they coincide with peak holiday times, so you’ll likely encounter bigger crowds and higher prices.

If you’re not too concerned with fresh powder and would instead visit this resort town during the summer when the conditions are warmer, you should consider visiting between March and April.

These months promise more comfortable conditions on the slopes and in town but be prepared for the snow to be slushier during this time. However, the slushier snow does equal fewer crowds and cheaper pricing, so it’s a win-win.