Val d’Isere, nestled in the heart of the French Alps, is a haven for off-piste skiing enthusiasts. With its high-altitude terrain, glacial descents, steep couloirs, and enchanting tree runs, along with one of the highest annual snowfalls in the Alps, the area offers a diverse playground for anyone looking venture off the groomed runs and into deeper snow.
Top off-piste ski routes
We’ve rounded up all the local knowledge to put together the top ten off-piste routes that showcase the best of what Val d’Isere has to offer. Whether you’re an expert skier looking for the best snow or a budding freerirder looking to push your boundaries, these runs promise unforgettable experiences.
The La Fornet trees
The La Fornet trees is a tight tree run perfect for intermediate to advanced skiers seeking a serene forest descent. To access it, take the Le Fornet cable car up to the top station. From there, head skiers’ left past the Signal restaurant towards the tree line where the off-piste area begins.
As you weave through the larch and pine trees, expect a mix of soft powder and natural obstacles that add excitement to the ride. The route offers sheltered conditions on snowy days and leads you down to the village of Le Fornet, where you can easily hop back on the lifts or enjoy a hot chocolate at one of the pit stops there.
Le Tour de Charvet
Le Tour de Charvet is a cruisy powder field perfect for advanced skiers looking for expansive off-piste terrain. Reach it by taking the Manchet Express chairlift and then traversing skiers’ right towards the Charvet area.
This route offers wide-open slopes with gentle gradients, ideal for carving big turns in fresh snow. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks as you descend. The run concludes in the Manchet Valley, providing easy access to the lift system.
Les Marmottons
Les Marmottons is a steep couloir perfect for expert skiers craving a challenging descent. Access this run by taking the Olympique gondola to the top of Bellevarde, then head skiers’ left towards the off-piste area marked for Les Marmottons.
Prepare for a heart-pumping drop into a narrow corridor flanked by towering rock walls. The snow stayed well-preserved here, offering excellent conditions for a few days after a recent snowfall. The couloir opens up near La Daille, where you can reconnect with the main slopes.
Chardonnet
Chardonnet is a high-altitude glacial run perfect for advanced skiers comfortable with glacier terrain. Take the Tovière gondola to Tignes and then the Grattalu chairlift, heading towards the Chardonnet lift.
Expect stunning alpine vistas as you navigate the glacier’s gentle slopes and occasional crevasses. The consistent pitch and quality snow make for a rewarding descent. You’ll finish near Tignes Val Claret, with easy access to lifts back to Val d’Isere.
Le Grand Vallon
Le Grand Vallon is an expansive powder playground perfect for intermediate to advanced skiers eager for backcountry-like experiences. Reach it by taking the Le Fornet cable car and the Vallon de l’Iseran chairlift, then head skiers’ right from the top station.
This vast area offers long, untracked runs with varied terrain. Choose your own line down gentle bowls and rolling hills. The route brings you back to Le Fornet, making it convenient for multiple laps.
Le Cor Pers
Le Cor Pers is a remote glacial valley perfect for advanced skiers seeking solitude and pristine snow conditions. Access is via the Cascade Express chairlift from Le Fornet, followed by a traverse skiers’ left beyond the marked pistes.
Embark on a long descent through untouched powder, surrounded by dramatic peaks and glaciers. The isolation here means you’ll often have the entire valley to yourself. The run concludes near the road to the Col de l’Iseran, so plan for a return via shuttle or a long traverse back to the lifts.
The Pisteurs’ Couloir
The Pisteurs’ Couloir is a steep, narrow chute perfect for expert skiers looking for a technical challenge. Take the Solaise Express and then the Glacier chairlift, heading skiers’ right to find the entrance marked by seasoned locals.
This adrenaline-inducing couloir demands precise turns and confidence as you navigate its confined space. It’s a favorite among the resort’s ski patrollers, hence the name. Exiting the couloir brings you back onto the L piste, where you can catch your breath and plan your next adventure.
La Banane
La Banane is a playful off-piste run with natural features perfect for advanced skiers who enjoy a bit of freestyle. Access it from the top of the Tommeuses chairlift, heading skiers’ right towards the unmarked terrain.
Anticipate a fun descent with natural rollers, lips, and banks that resemble the shape of a banana—giving the run its name. It’s an excellent spot to enjoy powder snow and practice jumps in a natural setting. The route leads you back to the main lifts in La Daille.
La Table d’Orientation
La Table d’Orientation is a scenic off-piste route perfect for intermediate skiers seeking a mix of open terrain and gentle slopes. Take the Solaise gondola to the top and head towards the marked viewpoint, then venture skiers’ left into the off-piste area.
Enjoy panoramic views as you descend wide fields of untracked snow. The gentle gradient makes it an excellent choice for those new to off-piste skiing. You’ll merge back onto the Solaise pistes near the bottom, making for an easy return.
Les Danaides
Les Danaides is a varied off-piste descent perfect for advanced skiers who enjoy changing terrain. Access this run by taking the Bellevarde Express chairlift and heading skiers’ right towards the Danaides sector.
The route offers a bit of everything: open powder fields, natural gullies, and some tree sections. It’s a dynamic run that keeps you engaged from top to bottom. You’ll finish your descent near the outskirts of Val d’Isere village, making this a good one to end on if that’s where you’re staying.
Before heading off-piste
Always remember that venturing off-piste comes with increased risks. Ensure you’re equipped with essential safety gear like avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes. Check the local avalanche forecasts, consider hiring a qualified local guide, and never ski alone. Respect the mountain, and it will reward you with incredible experiences.
Related readings:
