Planes, trains & automobiles - there are a number of different ways to get to Val d'Isere so let's look at the options...
FLY
If you are coming to Val d'Isere you can fly to Grenoble, Lyon, Chambery or Geneva.
The french airports may appear closer and more convenient but in fact you are probably best off flying to Geneva given that 1) you will have a far greater choice of flights, 2) the airport is less affected by adverse weather than the others & 3) you will have a far greater choice of transfer options, all of which help to keep costs down.
Don't forget to book travel to get you from the airport to resort
Either a hire car - ensure you have either snow tyres or chains as these are a legal requirement during the winter months. If hiring a car don't forget to book parking for the duration of your stay in resort. All information can be found at SAGS PARKING
Or a transfer - SNOWDRONE do private transfers and also have an extensive choice of shared transfer options throughout the week.
TRAIN
The snow train is back! Check it out here. A game changer for skiers, this easy & convenient travel option disappeared for a while but it is now back. Before there was no need to change trains at all between London & your resort station. Now, however, there is a change in Lille, but I am assured this is fairly straightforward and a minor inconvenience in an otherwise perfect plan! In just over 8 hours you will travel from London to Bourg St Maurice, the station that serves Val d'Isere as well as Tignes, Ste Foy, Les Arcs, Villaroger et La Rosiere. You can also hop off at Chambery, Albertville, Moutiers (for resorts in Les 3 Vallees (Courcheval, Meribel, Val Thorens) or Aime la Plagne.
The snow train only runs OUT to resort on a Saturday and BACK to the UK on a Sunday. This could prove a little problematic in terms of accommodation as there will be an extra night to find on top of the standard 7 day package. But if you can do it you will get an extra day on the slopes - a Saturday no less which is generally the quietest day on the slopes in Val d'Isere.
Currently the train only runs from 16th December to 4th February.
If you want to travel on different days it is possible to take the train but it would be a standard Eurostar to Paris where you would have to change trains (& stations within Paris) for your onward journey. Maybe even having to change again at Chambery.
Or you could take the snow train one way and traditional trains for the opposite journey (depending if your holiday is Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday).
Train Station for Val d'Isere is Bourg St Maurice, which is a 25km/30-40minute road trip away (maybe longer on a public bus). Don't forget to book transfers - either a private taxi or the public bus ALTIBUS
Luggage allowance of 2 suitcases, one handluggage and skis (properly packaged) all included in the price (see eurostar luggage policy here and sport equipment policy here).
DRIVE
This can be a great option if you are on a budget and also gives greater flexibility on travel dates as well as the ability to pack as much as you need for your trip! As well as the option of stopping at the bottom of the mountain to do a food shop if you are self catering.
If you drive you then have the option of ferry crossing or Eurotunnel. The ferry is longer but also cheaper and gives a chance for everyone to stretch their legs. The Eurotunnel is super convenient & fast but comes at a price.
Some considerations:
Driving overnight can be a good option if you have someone to share the driving with - roads are quiet and the journey less stressful. We do this whenever we go back to the UK with the children as it means less time to entertain them in the back of the car!
Look into Bip & Go. This gives you a badge that automatically scans when you go through peage machines on the motorways. You don't need to stop or have to lean across the car to fiddle around with tickets etc. It charges the same price as you would normally pay for peage sections and then there is a subscription charge of €1.70 each month that you use the system, but nothing to pay for months that you don't use it. Absolute gamechanger especially with a right hand drive car!
Don't forget to book parking for your time in resort. All information can be found at SAGS PARKING
COACH
Snow Express do coach travel from London to ski resorts across the french alps.
It is a fairly long journey and coaches can be cramped for an average sized adult. But if you are looking to keep costs down it is worth considering. Remember that the coach will take you from London (or Folkstone) to your resort so there are no additional transfers or similar to pay for on top.
For more tips on planning your ski holiday take a look at my post "Booking your ski trip - the essentials"