Getting There & Getting Around -- Driving is the preferred way to get to Val d'Isère. Most motorists come from Albertville, accessible by superhighway from Paris. From Albertville, follow signs to Moutiers, then take RN202 to Bourg-St-Maurice (58km/36 miles) and continue another 31km (19 miles) to Val d'Isère. The meandering RN202 is panoramic and breathtaking -- for its views and its lack of guardrails along some sections. During snowfalls, chains on tires are required. When you get to the resort, we strongly advise you to park your car and not use it again until you leave. Parking problems are legendary, and without chains, you'll risk getting stuck during snowfalls. You can walk virtually anywhere in town faster than you can drive.
Two dozen red-and-white Train Rouge free shuttle buses, each with a capacity of 100 people and their equipment, connect the hamlets at either end of the valley (La Daille and Le Fornet) to the center. The central terminus is the Rond-Point des Pistes. In summer, service is available only in July and August.
Parking lots and garages scattered around the valley are clearly marked. Each charges 14€ per day, 81€ per week, depending on the season and the size of your car.
Nearby airports include Cointrin, outside Geneva (tel. 04122/717-7111 or 04122/717-7105); Lyon-St-Exupéry (tel. 08-26-80-08-26); Grenoble (tel. 04-76-65-48-48); and Chambéry (tel. 04-79-54-49-54). Bus and limo service is available from these airports; contact Cars Martin (tel. 04-79-06-00-42).
The nearest train station is at Bourg-St-Maurice (tel. 36-35), an Alpine village 31km (19 miles) west of Val d'Isère. For train information, also call tel. 36-35. From there, Cars Martin (tel. 04-79-68-32-96; www.altibus.com) buses depart 4 to 10 times a day, depending on the season. The one-way fare is 13€. Or you can take a taxi from Bourg-St-Maurice that costs about 80€ for up to four passengers. Call Altitude Taxis (tel. 06-07-41-11-53; www.altitude-espace-taxi.com), or arrange pickup in advance with your hotel.
Visitor Information -- The resort's Office de Tourisme, rue Principale, Val Village (tel. 04-79-06-06-60; fax 04-79-06-04-56; www.valdisere.com), is a font of information on outdoor activities. The widest spectrum of information on sports is available from the Club des Sports (Sports Department), route de la Balme, Quartier Balme B.P. 61, 73152 Val d'Isère (tel. 04-79-06-03-49; www.valsport.org).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
