What’s New in Val d’Isere for 18/19?
Ethan Sugden | 17 July 2018 | Ski Resorts
As always, the premier ski resorts of the Alps are constantly updating and upgrading themselves. So, what’s new in Val d’Isere for the upcoming winter season of 2018-2019?
The Solaise cable car has not been in operation for many years and the old pylons were removed some time ago. However, the large station buildings at the bottom and the top of the old lift have remained stoically in place – a reminder of a bygone era for the resort. The top station has now been redeveloped into a luxury ski in ski out spa hotel. At 2,551 metres altitude, Le Refuge de Solaise is now France’s highest hotel. It offers a unique accommodation experience in Val d’Isere with 34 bedrooms, luxury apartments and even a 23-metre pool (open to the public) with stunning mountain views. Guests will not only enjoy the tranquil mountain setting and fabulous sunsets but also first access in the morning of a fresh powder day to some of Val d’Isere’s best off-piste terrain.
The new gondola cabins manufactured by Poma Opening December 2018, a new 10-person luxury gondola will replace the old 4-person egg lift from La Daille to the Folie Douce/Fruitiere. The journey time will be halved and the lift capacity increase to 2,800 passengers per hour. This will mean less queuing time for those wishing to ‘download’ from the mountain after a heavy session at the Folie! This new La Daille lift will be the first in France to feature the latest Premium Symphony 10-passenger cabins manufactured by Poma. In total there will be 50 new cabins as well as one VIP cabin, all are bright, comfortable and feature heated seats as well as giving passengers panoramic mountain views.
