In Val d’Isère, freeriding isn’t just a sport – it’s a way of life. Thanks to its altitude and frequent easterly winds, the ski area enjoys exceptional snow cover, allowing you to ski untracked slopes throughout the season. Venturing off-piste means changing your pace, taking the time to observe, to read the mountain, and to appreciate its vastness. It’s an experience that’s physical, sensory and deeply immersive.
What also makes the experience unique is its accessibility: most of the legendary routes are directly accessible from the Va d’Isère ski area. ‘Safety Check Point’ signs, where you can test your avalanche transceiver, are located at the start of three of these routes:
- L’envers de Cugnaï → start at the top of the Cugnaï chairlift, descent towards the Manchet valley
- Les Grands Vallons → starting from the Signal ski lift, finishing at Le Fornet
- Le Tour du Charvet → starting from the Grand Pré chairlift, returning to the Manchet valley
The avalanche transceiver test signs are an excellent starting point: they allow you to quickly check that your equipment is working before setting off. However, they are no substitute for thorough preparation. Being properly equipped (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe) and knowing how to use them remains essential. When skiing off-piste, safety depends as much on your equipment as on the right reflexes.
To brush up on the basics and learn the correct techniques, see Off-piste Skiing #1 – Safety First.
