Check out our Top 5 most-engaged ski slopes in Val d'Isère

Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, this mythical village is packed with legendary slopes, offering technical, vertiginous descents that will satisfy even the most experienced skiers. Here are five unmissable slopes in the Val d’Isère ski area for your next visit.

Top 5 most-engaged ski slopes in Val d'Isère!

1. The iconic Face de Bellevarde

It’s impossible not to mention the legendary Face de Bellevarde, Val d’Isère’s landmark since the 1992 Olympic Games. Every year, this demanding and impressive slope hosts the Critérium de la Première Neige, a World Cup ski race.

From the top of the Olympique gondola, a 3-kilometer descent awaits you, with 850m of negative vertical drop before you reach the Val d’Isère snow front. With its steep slopes and narrow sections, this black run demands a perfect mastery of technique and a cool head.

It’s an intense descent that delivers unrivalled sensations.

On video

2. L'Épaule du Charvet

Still on the Bellevarde massif, the épaule du Charvet lets you test your skills in another register: moguls!

Departing from the Fontaine Froide chairlift, discover this black run overlooking the Manchet valley. An ungroomed itinerary of bumps on a steep slope. Perfect for pushing your limits and immersing yourself in a freeride environment.

3. Santons

Located right next to the Charvet shoulder, the “Santons” run lets you discover the same breathtaking scenery as its neighboring run, but on a groomed, more accessible itinerary. This red run, situated in a couloir, requires a certain technical skill as it is built like a pipe. Once you’ve passed the bottleneck at the entrance to the run, you’ll find a wall to set the pace, before finishing with a long schuss to reach the Manchet valley.

Please note, however, that this piste is located in an avalanche zone, so be sure to follow the instructions and closures imposed by the piste authorities.

4. Tunnel track

The tunnel run, located on the Solaise massif, is left in its natural state, never groomed, offering a skiing experience akin to “off-piste”. This is an extremely technical and difficult descent, reserved for experienced skiers. Access to this run is via a narrow, unlit tunnel over 50 meters long. Once at the exit, you’ll have to follow a narrow path before reaching the first flat. Depending on the influx of skiers throughout the day, significant bumps can form, making the run even more demanding. This is the most difficult descent in Val d’Isère. A panoramic view of the snow-covered peaks awaits you as you exit the tunnel. Access is via the 3000 ski lift. Due to the often difficult conditions, this run is only open at certain times, especially when there is a big return from the east.

On video

If the tunnel isn’t open, take the TK3000 black run down the buttock pull! It’s just as steep and just as technical because it’s also ungroomed, and its lovely bumps will warm your thighs just as much. We advise you to start with this run before taking the one that follows the tunnel, because once you’ve crossed it, there’s no turning back.

5. The S Track

In the same vein as the Épaule du Charvet, but on the Solaise massif, the S piste is of the highest standard. Situated next to the “Plan” on the mountainside, this black run is also ungroomed, and takes you up to the village of Val d’Isère on a mogul-filled itinerary. A not-to-be-missed run for all freeride skiers, which will put your quadriceps to the test, but which will give you an incomparable sense of pride once you’ve reached the bottom!

The Val d’Isère ski area is brimming with challenging runs that will appeal to even the most adventurous skiers. Whether you’re a freeride enthusiast or a fan of technical descents, these five itineraries promise thrills and unforgettable memories in the heart of the Val d’Isère ski area.

Now all you have to do is get your skis ready and set off to conquer the steep slopes!

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