©Mountain views with groomed piste in the Bellevarde sector|Yann ALLEGRE

Our selection: Top 5 hidden ski slopes To escape the crowds

With 300 km of ski slopes, skiing enthusiasts are guaranteed an exceptional experience at the Tignes – Val d’Isère ski area. But during the school holidays and peak periods, some slopes can get very busy. To enjoy a peaceful skiing experience in Val d’Isère, we’ve selected five hidden slopes and more discreet itineraries, that the locals and regular visitors usually keep to themselves. These runs are ideal for skiing far from the crowds, and also a chance to explore unspoilt scenery and a different side to the ski area.

Map of the slopes

Slope no.1 Saint-Jacques & Cugnaï In the Solaise sector

Head over to the Solaise sector, where you’ll find no less than 37 slopes and a few itineraries that are still not widely known. When you arrive on the iconic Glaciers chairlift, opt for the slope to your right: Saint Jacques. It will lead you to the Cugnaï chairlift, in a spectacular panoramic setting.

You can then ski down the Cugnaï red run, which often features slight bumps and is never very busy. It’s the perfect slope if you’re looking for something different and for a more natural skiing experience, far from the crowds.

Slope no.2 The Traversée du Laisinant to head back to the centre of the resort

The Traversée du Laisinant is a quiet route that winds through the larch forest, the perfect way to get back to the centre of Val d’Isère after skiing down the Germain Mattis slope.

At the bottom of the Germain Mattis slope, a few metres before the Laisinant chairlift, look out for a path that leads into the forest on your left. This gentle, winding slope will lead you back to the centre of the resort and the famous Savonnette ski tow.

Slope no.3 The Germain Mattis slope through the larch forest

The Germain Mattis red slope is a hidden treasure of the Val d’Isère ski area, and is always a hit with skiers looking for an escape. The slope begins with a section along the Col de l’Iseran route, before dropping into the larch forest for a more challenging descent.

The varied terrain, natural atmosphere and peaceful surroundings make this the perfect opportunity to see what off-piste skiing is like, while technically still staying on a slope.

Slope no.4 The Combe-Martin, black slope in the Solaise sector

The Combe Martin is for skiers looking for some excitement. Skiers can expect a challenging experience on this black ski slope in Val d’Isère, surrounded by stunning scenery and far from the crowds.

Two ways to reach the slope:

From the Rhône-Alpes slope, the World Ski Championships 2009 slope
Or directly via the Rogoney chairlift, taking a left from the peak

We highly recommend connecting both the Rhône-Alpes and Combe Martin slopes if you’re looking for a challenge and a sporty skiing experience.

©Grand Ski Tristan Shu 21.01 50|Tristan Shu

© Skiers and snowboarders on the slopes of Val d'Isère|Tristan Shu

Slope no.5 Club des Sports, blue slope in Bellevarde

To round off this selection of the Top 5 hidden slopes in Val d’Isère, head to the Bellevarde sector, and more specifically to Grand Pré, renowned for its wide, sun-kissed slopes.

After taking a souvenir photo in front of the giant Val d’Isère letters at the top of the Grand Pré chairlift, instead of heading down the crowded green slope, go right to the Club des Sports blue slope. This is a smooth and enjoyable route that you can ski down at your own pace.

These hidden slopes in Val d’Isère are ideal for exploring the ski area in a different way, far from the crowds. How about you? Have you found any other secret little places in Val d’Isère? Tell us about them on social media!