The hidden off-piste treasures of Tignes - Val d'Isère

Welcome to the white expanses of the Tignes Val d'Isère resort, where off-piste skiing becomes an exciting discipline. Each snowflake tells a story of exploration, and every descent offers challenges and breathtaking panoramas. Whether you're looking for vast powder slopes or winding forest trails, the off-piste areas of the Tignes Val d'Isère domain captivate all enthusiasts. 

You will find your adventure between the Grands Vallons, Col Pers, Tour du Charvet, Marmottons, the Orientation Table, or even the Vallée Perdue. You can enjoy these off-piste runs, accessible via ski lifts, at different times of the year: in January on certain slopes, and in March/April during spring skiing with its sunny days. Each period of the season offers unique and memorable adventures.
Join an off-piste guide in Val d'Isère for a safe and unforgettable experience in these untouched and majestic terrains.

Must-see spots for off-piste skiing 
Grands Vallons: The iconic descent of Val d'Isère

Take advantage of the ski lifts for easy and quick access to this iconic descent. The Grands Vallons, located in the Fornet sector, are a must-visit off-piste spot with easy access in Val d'Isère. This run, with its 1000m vertical drop, descends to the Mangard piste. Its north-facing orientation ensures excellent snow quality, while the wide area offers plenty of lines to choose from, with a rolling, playful terrain.
This spot is ideal after a snowfall, but its popularity and easy access make it one of the most frequented and tracked spots in Val d'Isère. The key to fully enjoying the Grands Vallons is speed.

• Start: Signal T-bar lift, 2920m altitude.
• End: Fornet village, 1920m altitude.
• Total vertical drop: 1000m.
• Access: Simple, directly from the Signal T-bar lift arrival plateau.

This classic off-piste ski route in Val d'Isère begins at 2920m altitude and ends by the Isère River, at 1920m altitude, offering a 1000m vertical drop. Although the route is primarily reserved for intermediate and advanced skiers, it is less accessible to snowboarders due to the steep incline of the T-bar lift. For those seeking an off-piste adventure in Val d'Isère, the Grands Vallons offer an unrivaled experience with often excellent snow and a variety of options to enjoy each descent.

Vallons de la Sache: The essence of wild off-piste 

The Vallons de la Sache, located in the Tignes Val d'Isère sector in the beautiful Tarentaise Valley, are a true paradise for off-piste enthusiasts in Tignes. Easily accessible from the Aiguille Percée chairlift, these descents offer a spectacular setting between the suspended Dôme de la Sache glacier and the Aiguille Percée rock. With a primarily north-facing orientation, the snow often remains cold and powdery.

The gentle slopes at the start allow for a gradual warm-up before tackling the more technical sections. The routes guarantee long and wild descents. Though popular and often tracked, connoisseurs can still find fresh snow for several days. Be aware of changing snow quality between the start at 2738m and the finish at 1502m. It is essential to avoid the icefall by crossing to the right before reaching 1990m to join the black Sache piste.

• Start: Aiguille Percée chairlift, 2738m.
• End: Brévières village, 1502m.
• Total vertical drop: 1236m.
• Level: Advanced to expert.

The Vallons de la Sache are ideal for off-piste skiing in Tignes, with a multitude of routes to explore throughout the week without repeating the same path. If you want to tackle these slopes, check out all our equipment available at Tignes ski rental. 

L'envers de Cugnaï: Wild and technical descent 

L'envers de Cugnaï, a classic off-piste route in Val d'Isère, offers impressive powdery descents for ski and snowboard enthusiasts. From the top of the Cugnaï chairlift at 3000m altitude, you can test your AVD (Avalanche Victim Detector) thanks to the detection system set up by the ski patrol. Once engaged in the north-facing slopes, glide down for an unforgettable experience.

• Start: Cugnaï chairlift, 3000m altitude.
• End: Manchet Express chairlift, 1920m altitude.
• Total vertical drop: 1180m.
• Orientation: Mainly north, ensuring often cold and powdery snow.

In the heart of a small wild valley, L'envers de Cugnaï offers a refreshing route with stunning views of Mont Charvet. This off-piste spot combines accessibility and variety, making each descent unique and exciting. The route variants allow you to constantly discover new perspectives and enjoy the mountain from different angles.

Couloir des Pisteurs: Technical challenge and adrenaline 

The Couloir des Pisteurs, located on the north face of Val d'Isère, is a steep and narrow passage, sometimes only 2 to 3 meters wide. Visible from the Grand Pré chairlift, it looks more intimidating than it really is, though the first 50 meters are particularly challenging. This couloir gets its name from the myth that only experienced ski patrollers could navigate it.

To access it, follow the Tour du Charvet route, taking the Grand Pré chairlift. From the summit, continue toward the ridge extending toward the Charvet rock. Be careful as many hidden holes in the rock can be dangerous.
The couloir begins with a funnel about 30 meters before the end of the ridge. This first section is narrow and often rough, but you have three options after this point:

• Left option: A wide couloir sheltered from the wind, often covered in incredible snow.
• Middle option: The easiest, quite wide and moderately steep.
• Right option: The shortest, with a narrow section about two-thirds of the way down.

This couloir is ideal for advanced skiers looking for a technical challenge and a memorable experience on the slopes of Val d'Isère.

Explore off-piste skiing in Val d'Isère safely 

Ensure your safety off-piste 

Off-piste skiing in Val d'Isère requires careful preparation to ensure your safety, especially due to the risk of avalanches. Proper equipment is essential: ABS backpack, AVD (Avalanche Victim Detector), shovel, and probe. Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended. Never go alone; choose an ESF instructor or a mountain guide, who can assess the snowpack conditions. A confirmed level in skiing or snowboarding is necessary to tackle the varied and often technical terrain. During your Val d'Isère ski rental, inquire about the off-piste equipment available. 

Off-piste ski lessons: Perfect your skills in Val d'Isère 

For those who want to go beyond groomed trails and explore untouched terrain, Val d'Isère offers several off-piste ski lesson options led by professionals. These lessons are designed to perfect your skills while ensuring your safety in the face of the dangers of this practice.

• ESF Val d'Isère - "Grand Ski" lessons: Designed for experienced skiers, these small group lessons (limited to 6 people) provide personalized guidance. Specialist instructors lead you on less-traveled routes and share technical knowledge and safety tips. Safety equipment (Airbag backpack, AVD, shovel, and probe) is provided. 

• Alpine Experience: These off-piste specialist guides offer safe and educational outings, helping you analyze snow conditions and improve your technique. Their motto is "safety and fun," ensuring progression for your skiing level. 

• Powder We Go: Offers various off-piste activities and excursions, allowing you to discover the most beautiful landscapes of Val d'Isère with expert guidance. Whether solo or in a group, you'll enjoy a tailor-made experience adapted to your skill level.

• Val d'Isère Mountain Guides: Provide off-piste excursions tailored to all levels, with a focus on safety and learning the basics of off-piste skiing. The mountain guides will take you on an exploration of the most beautiful off-piste routes in Val d'Isère. 

Dive into off-piste adventure with Freeride 

Ready for unforgettable adventures on the slopes of Tignes Val d'Isère? Book your equipment with Freeride and choose the Multiglisse option to explore off-piste with the freedom to switch between alpine skis, freeride skis, and snowboards. For a safe experience, sign up for specialized lessons with our expert partners. Discover breathtaking landscapes and take on new challenges on varied and technical terrain. Don't wait any longer, plan your off-piste escape now and experience the magic of the mountains like never before.