Renting a studio in Val d’Isère from private individuals
The market for apartment rentals in Val d’Isère, rented by private individuals, is relatively large enough to meet all demand. However, you must plan ahead to find the perfect accommodation. Discover how to find the rare gem during the high season in one of France’s most popular winter sports resorts:
Consult the “private to private” rental section on the Val d’Isère Tourism website
The website of the Val d’Isère tourist office, for example Lists a section dedicated to “private renters” with more than 70 listings of apartments and chalets managed directly by the owners.
You’ll find all the necessary information there: detailed photos, prices per week, direct contact with the owner, real-time availability… Key advantage: no agency commission, and a more qualitative selection than an open platform.
This is usually the best starting point if you are looking for a direct owner-tenant relationship.
Using P2P platforms (Airbnb, Abritel, Leboncoin, etc.)
These platforms for private individuals to private individuals give access to individuals who manage their own housing themselves or have it managed by a close relative.
Attention: on Airbnb, be sure to check the sometimes high cleaning fees for a rental of a simple apartment, even in Val d’Isère.
Abritel offers a very rich selection of holiday apartments in resorts, often managed by experienced owners.
Leboncoin is still used by many historical owners of Val d’Isère. The main advantage offered by Leboncoin is that private negotiations are sometimes possible.
Be careful to verify the authenticity of the ads (see tips below).
Some groups of residents or seasonal workers offer rentals on social media for the weeks not used by the owners.
The use of independent concierge services
Although it is not purely a “private” service, many homeowners entrust the handing over of keys and the cleaning of the property to small local companies.
They can guide you to apartment rentals in Val d’Isère that they manage directly for private individuals.
Knowing how to target the right neighborhoods to maximize the chances
In Val d’Isère, private individuals mainly rent their properties in highly sought-after residential areas:
- Centre / Front de Neige: direct access to shops + lifts.
- La Daille: more recent ones, often with good value for money and quick access to the funicular.
- Le Fornet: quiet, beautiful renovations, direct access to the cable car.
- The Round-about of the Pistes: perfect for “skiing on foot”.
The more the area is premium, the higher the probability that the property belongs to an individual (a high-quality second home).
Evaluating the reliability of an ad when renting to an individual
Many scammers operate on the web in general and especially in the private rental market for apartments or chalets. To avoid unpleasant surprises, first check the consistency between the photos, the floor plan, and the size of the accommodation.
Then:
- Take into account the reviews left by customers
- Make sure there is a real availability calendar.
- Request a rental contract before making a payment.
The latter must be secured (platform, SEPA transfer accompanied by a contract, never Western Union).
If you still have doubts, ask the owner the right questions as well:
- What is the renovation year?
- What about the equipment (reliable Wi-Fi, appliances, bedding)?
- What are the cancellation conditions?
- Who manages the key delivery?
- Is a parking space included in the rental of the apartment?
When to look for to maximize the choice for a ski rental?
The rental offer for a well-located ski apartment in Val d’Isère, rented by a private individual, varies depending on the seasons:
September → November: high availability, start of uploading the calendars.
January (for March/April): opportunity to obtain more attractive prices.
May → June: Some owners publish their winter calendars very early.
Note that higher-quality apartments (renovated, well-located) are often booked 6 to 9 months in advance.
Rental of an apartment 2km from the center of Val d’Isère
Private rental allows you to avoid a number of fees associated with the services of a real estate agency, which can be very high in a popular resort like Val d’Isère. At Les Chalets du Fornet we decided to forgo the services of a real estate agency for the rental of our apartment, ideally located 2 km from the center of Val d’Isère.
This high-end duplex of 32 m², completely new, carefully furnished and decorated, is ideal for accommodating 2 people, or 3 with a child.
The entrance opens onto a comfortable living space featuring a living room with a sofa, a large TV screen, and a fully equipped kitchen (refrigerator, oven, microwave, dishwasher).
A staircase leads to the lower level, where there is a room with a double bed (140 × 200), a bathroom with a shower and a sink, as well as separate toilets. A storage space for skis and shoes is also available. Wi-Fi is included.
Located at the foot of the slopes of the Tignes – Val d’Isère ski resort, one of the largest in France (more than 300 km of slopes), the studio is less than 200 meters from the Fornet cable car. Skiing back to the slopes is possible depending on the snow conditions. Regular shuttle services, with a stop just 50 meters away, provide a connection between Le Fornet and the center of Val d’Isère every 5 minutes during the day, as well as in the evening.
Rates: €250 per night for a low season rental and €350 per night for a high season rental.
This apartment can be rented alone or in addition to the Oxalis chalet (capacity up to 10 people), which is also located in the Fornet area.
To learn more about our rental service without agency fees, from private to private, there are 3 ways to contact us:
- By phone:
+33 6 17 17 69 80 (Julie Petit)
+33 6 10 28 07 10 (Benoit Petit)
2. By mail:
Access: 126 rue du Hameau du Fornet, 73150 Val d’Isère.