Val d’Isere is not just for skiers! Put on your snow boots or snowshoes and you can become an explorer for a few hours as you discover the trails that criss-cross the village and surrounding mountains.  Some are at altitudes of over 2,500m, allowing you to admire magnificent landscapes, while others are lower down, passing through forests of snow-covered fir trees, a peaceful escape from the bustle of the resort.

There are various itineraries around the village and up to the peaks for walking or snowshoeing that are easy and accessible for everyone. If you want to get off the beaten track, you should enlist a mountain guide who can take you along forest paths or panoramic routes close to the Italian border or the glaciers of the Haute Tarentaise.

Walks around the village:

La Daille

The La Daille plain offers two walks for pedestrians:

S1 – Le Chemin des Sources, leads from La Daille along the torrent to the center of Val d’Isère > Round trip 3 km.
S2 – The La Daille loop is an easy, family-friendly trail > 3 km loop.
Access by free shuttle > le “train” Rouge > Direction La Daille > Funival stop.

The La Daille gondola provides pedestrian access to La Folie Douce and its restaurants.

Le Manchet

The Manchet valley is a beautiful setting. Here you can stroll along the pedestrian loops away from the alpine skiers:

S4 – Le Manchet, follows the length of the valley with a magnificent icefall at the end > Return journey 6 km.
S5 – Le tour du Manchet, takes you on an exploration of this beautiful valley > Loop 4 km.

Enjoy a relaxing break in the L’Art Des Mets restaurant in the heart of Le Manchet.

Access by free shuttle bus > le “train” Jaune > Le Manchet stop.

Le Laisinant

Here the pedestrian path that runs along the Isère to Le Fornet. Take the opportunity to stroll through the narrow streets of this small hamlet of exceptional charm!

Access by free shuttle bus > le “train” Rouge > Direction Le Fornet > Laisinant stop.

Le Fornet

A favourite is the Pont St Charles walk from Le Fornet: this nature trail takes you right up to the gates of the Vanoise National Park, where you can spot wildlife such as ibex, chamois, bearded vultures and even golden eagles if you’re lucky. On the way back, enjoy the panoramic view of Val d’Isère and the imposing Rocher de Bellevarde.

S7 – Front de Neige au Fornet via the Chemin du Laisinant, along the banks of the Isère river, under snow-covered larches > Round trip 5 km.

S8 – Le Fornet au Pont St Charles, is a trail along the snow-covered Col de L’iseran road > Return journey 6 km.

You can stop for a rest on the deckchairs on the sunny terrace of the Crozets restaurant.

Access by free shuttle > le “train” Rouge > Direction Le Fornet > Stop Village du Fornet or Téléphérique du Fornet.

Pedestrian lift pass & accessible lifts

If you’d like to get higher and see the sights from the top, there are certain lifts that are accessible to pedestrians. You will need to get a pedestrian lift pass, and make sure to check the list of accessible lifts.

Solaise summit

As soon as you step off the Solaise gondola, you’re greeted by a breath-taking panorama of mountains.  The Lounge is great for a picnic break or a hot chocolate at altitude.

Or for something a little more refined, the Refuge de Solaise has a lovely sunny terrace with deckchairs..

Ouillette lake

A footpath leads to Lac de l’Ouillette which is in an exceptional setting, and there is an easy and accessible path around the snow-covered lake.

Long loop 2.6 km

Short loop 1.9 km

The sunny terrace of the La Plage de l’Ouillette restaurant welcomes walkers and they offer a wide range of cuisine, from delicious snacks to hearty meals, all homemade with fresh, local produce.

Access via the Solaise gondola.

Iseran road pass and its chapel

At an altitude of 2770 m, Europe’s highest road pass and its chapel, Notre-Dame de Toute Prudence, can be reached by the Fornet cable car and the Vallon gondola.

From the top of the Vallon cable car, following the footpath, you can reach the foot of the Pisaillas Glacier and have lunch at the high-altitude restaurant La Cascade.

Pisaillas Glacier

As a pedestrian, you can continue your ascent on the Pisaillas Glacier by taking the Cascade chairlift, which brings you to an altitude of 3,118 meters, offering a breathtaking panorama of the mountains and glaciers of Haute Maurienne. On the way back, you can take the Céma chairlift to return to the Vallon gondola.

Access via the Fornet cable car, the Vallon gondola, the pedestrian path, and finally the Cascade chairlift. Return via the Céma chairlift (accessible to pedestrians only on the ascent), the Vallon gondola, and the Fornet cable car.

Bellevarde summit

Bellevarde is THE mythical rock of Val d’Isère. A stunning panorama can be enjoyed from the arrival point of the Olympique cable car.

For lunch, Café Bellevarde – Maison Louly is accessible to pedestrians via stairs to the left of the cable car exit. You’ll then have to cross a short stretch of piste under extreme caution, as skiers have the right of way. We advise you to use your ski poles to reach the restaurants safely. There are 3 distinct restaurant styles on offer, to suit your mood (and wallet):

Access by Olympique cable car from the snow front in the village center, or by Funival from La Daille.