Best Off-Piste Skiing in Val d’Isère | Local Guide’s Top 5 Runs

By Bastien Gelinotte, IFMGA Mountain Guide

I grew up in the Haute Tarentaise valley and started skiing early. These mountains have always been part of my life. Val d’Isère is, for me, one of the best places in the Alps for off-piste skiing and ski touring. The terrain is huge and always gives new options. There is wild country, steep slopes, open bowls and long descents. You can always find good snow if you know where to look.

Here are some of my favorite off-piste runs in Val d’Isère. These are lines I enjoy every winter and that show the true character of this place.

1. Grande Aiguille Rousse from Pisaillas Glacier

A long, beautiful high-mountain outing with amazing views and a very rewarding descent.

• How to reach it: From the top of the Téléski du Montet, cross toward Col de l’Ouille Noire until you reach a small lake. From there, skin up to Col du Montet. Then traverse under the Petite Aiguille Rousse on the glacier of Les Sources de l’Isère. The last 300 meters are a final climb up to the Grande Aiguille Rousse.
• Terrain: A technical ascent with some steep parts around 30 degrees. Crampons can be very useful. You travel on open, wild glacier terrain that feels far from the resort. The downhill is on wide, moderate slopes that are perfect for long turns.
• Why it is special: You climb to almost 3500 meters and feel deep in the Vanoise mountains. The descent is long and smooth, and there are different route choices depending on conditions. It feels like a real alpine journey but still close enough to the lifts.
• Pro tip:Take a day with clear weather and stable snow. There are several transitions between skiing and skinning, so keep a good rhythm and enjoy the variety.

2. Rochers des Barmes de l’Ours

A quiet and scenic loop with great views and playful slopes.

• How to reach it:From the Grand Pré chairlift, traverse southwest toward the Pointe de la Sana to reach the Col des Barmes de l’Ours. After a short descent, put skins on again and climb to a shoulder at 3023 meters.
• Terrain: Big open terrain above 2600 meters. The final descent offers slopes of 30 to 35 degrees for around 400 meters of vertical. The run finishes in the Manchet valley.
• Why it is special: You are behind Val d’Isère in very peaceful country. The views over the Femma valley are amazing, and it feels far from the resort even though it is not difficult to reach.
• Pro tip: This tour can be extended with extra climbs or linked with the Femma refuge for a longer day.

3. Grand Vallon

A classic Val d’Isère off-piste run that is very easy to access.

• How to reach it: From the top of the Signal ski lift, cross the shoulder and enter the Grand Vallon.
• Terrain: Wide north-facing slopes. The first 250 meters of vertical are gentle and under 30 degrees, then the slope becomes steeper. At around 2450 meters, traverse left to reach the Mangard blue piste back to Fornet.
• Why it is special: No skins. No long approach. Just ski. The north exposure keeps the snow cold and often powdery. It is a great warm-up run before heading higher into the Pisaillas area.
• Pro tip: At the end of the run, be careful not to enter the marked bird protection zones. They are easy to spot with ropes.

4. Fornet Forest

A perfect place to ski when it is snowing or visibility is poor.

• How to reach it: Take the bus to Le Fornet, then the cable car. Follow the summer road a short distance until you reach a small bridge at 2311 meters. From here, several lines drop straight into the forest.
• Terrain: Tight, playful forest skiing with about 350 meters of vertical. The runs end near the path that brings you back to Le Fornet or the Laisinant lift.
• Why it is special: Val d’Isère does not have much tree skiing, but this small forest is a real gem. When the light is flat, this is the best option. It feels a bit like skiing in Canada with deep snow and small natural jumps.
• Pro tip: Explore slowly the first time. There are some small cliffs and avalanche zones. Once you know the lines, it becomes very fun.
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5. Pente des Lores

A long north-facing line with a perfect slope angle and big-mountain atmosphere.

• How to reach it: Take the Cugnai chairlift in the Solaise sector. Go behind the lift and follow the off-piste tracks. After about 350 meters of skiing, traverse left for around 500 meters. Then skin up to the Refuge du Fond des Fours. From there, climb a small gully that leads to the northern summit of Les Lores at 2900 meters.
• Terrain: From the summit to the Riondet chalet is around 750 meters of descent. The top is hilly, then the main slope keeps a steady 30 to 35 degree angle. After the chalet, you join the Charvet valley and return to Val d’Isère.
• Why it is special: It is straight, wide and usually not busy. The slope angle is ideal for big, smooth turns. In spring snow, it becomes one of the best runs in the whole resort.
• Pro tip: Check avalanche conditions carefully, especially in winter. In spring, try to ski it when the snow has just softened. The feeling is incredible.

About Me

I am a mountain guide in the Haute Tarentaise valley and skiing has always been my passion. I love sharing these mountains with people and helping them discover the best snow in a safe and friendly way.

If you come to Val d’Isère and want to explore these routes, I guide them and many others through Guidezone.