The village
The resort can be divided into different sections:
Le Fornet
The character of this old village still endures in spite of recent construction. All houses are made of local stone and wood. The approach to the hamlet is dominated by a stone bridge crossing the Isère river, and a charming little chapel nearby.
As Le Fornet is the furthest part of the resort from the centre it is also the most tranquil. Being located at the end of the valley and the most Easterly part of the ski area means you’re far from the shops, but this is easily remedied as the non-stop bus service gives easy access to the resort centre. It takes less than 10 minutes by bus to be in the heart of Val d’Isère.
And if the proposed link with the resort of Bonneval sur Arc takes place, Le Fornet will find itself in a much more central position in the Espace Killy.
In Spring the proximity of the Pissaillas glacier is a great advantage for skiers, while walkers can enjoy the path to the Saint Charles bridge, bathed in sunshine while the rest of Val d’Isère is in the shade.
The Vanoise National Park and its Italian counterpart, the Grand Paradis National Park, as well as the natural reserve of La Bailleta are all on the doorstep, and it isn’t unusual to spot ibex and chamois crossing the path, which is in fact the main road to the Col de l’Iseran.
The forest surrounding Le Fornet is made up of larch (the only conifer to shed its needles in winter), and pine (Cembro pine).
At Le Fornet you’ll find three restaurants and a place for a quick snack:
L'atelier D'Edmond
Les Crozets
On the slopes there are:
L'Edelweiss
Le Signal
Cascade
For access to the slopes you can use the Fornet cable car or the bus. To ski back there are three pistes: La Mangard (blue), Le Bois de Cognon (red) and La Forêt (black). All three pistes finish with a schuss followed by a walk which only the very quickest will avoid…
Several off-piste routes finish at Le Fornet: Cols Pers, Grand Vallon, Vallonés, Forêt du Fornet, Grand Torsaï, Pointe Pers…
Le Fornet is also the starting point for some picturesque ski tours: Tsanteléina, Pointe de la Galise, Glacier des Sources de l’Isère, Grande Aiguille Rousse…
Le Laisinant
Le Laisinant has also been spared much new construction. This little hamlet, though closer to the centre than Le Fornet, is still an oasis of calm. Here you’ll also find a little chapel, dedicated to St Barthélémy.
The surrounding forests shelter squirrels, roe deer, foxes and hares.
There is no more restaurant at Le Laisinant: