INTER-STATION SKIING
Ski Inter-stations or Ski Safari
When the conditions are right, we also offer off-piste ski adventures between resorts, also called ski safari. The off-piste between resorts allows us to share with our groups some of the most beautiful descents of Haute-Tarentaise. Departing from Val-d'Isère, we drive down the valley to access the legendary routes of the surrounding resorts. More than just teaching and guiding off-piste skiing, we share our passion of our wonderful environment with you.
Direction: Sainte- Foy-Tarentaise, Les Arcs, La Plagnes, or La Rosiere/La Thuile (Italy)
Inter-station skiing in Sainte Foy
Sainte Foy is a little haven of peace less frequented, in the middle of one of the largest skiing domains in the world. It is a strategic starting point for great tours with endless variations. There are only a few lifts but they access an immense off-piste skiing and hiking area.
*Pointe Nord de Foglietta
Foglietta North/Col de l’Argentiere Sector
Vertical Climb: between 350 to 800 metres
Downhill vertical drop: between 1000 and 1300 metres
After only a little more than an hour of walking on ‘skins’ from the top of the chairlift of the Aiguille, we will reach the tip of the Foglietta at an altitude of 2930m.
The summit overlooks the immense north facing bowl. The Foglietta Nord retains high quality powder snow throughout the winter because as it’s sheltered from the prevailing winds. This free-rando ski provides an unforgettable experience and a huge amount of skiing for a relatively short walk. The vastness of this north facing bowl and its possibilities make it an absolsute must in the Haute-Tarentaise valley.
The descent is more than 1000 vertical metres in a preserved natural environment. It’s challenging skiing with a steep entrance, and the exit through the trees at the bottom can be testing as well. Eventually we’ll arrive at the fantastic village of La Mazure and return to the resort via a shuttle bus.
For the more experienced, we can continue the adventure to the Col de L'Argentière and / or the Couloir Doudou. Arriving at the top we will benefit from the longest slopes in the sector, which are steep and atmospheric, and the climb on ‘skins’ will quickly be forgotten...
*South Face of the Foglietta
The south face of Foglietta can be skied in powder snow earlier in the winter, but is best known for its outstanding spring snow options. It will then be possible to discover the wild valley of le Clou and we will visit the impressive classified site of the village le Monal. Across the valley is a breathtaking panorama of the Mont Pourri massif and the Vallons de la Sache sector.
Inter-station skiing in Les Arcs
The resort of Les Arcsis connected to La Plagne, and together they form the famous ski area of "Paradiski", which is full of off-piste skiing and free-rando routes. Hidden away in Paradski are some of the best off-piste gems in Haute-Tarentaise.
*Grand Col
Les Arcs (Grand Col sector)
‘Skinning’ time: 20 minutes
Vertical climb: 100 metres
Downhill vertical drop: 1200 metres
Departure from the top of the chairlift that bears the same name, the Col is accessed by a 15 to 20 minute. We will arrive at a small breach of the Grand Col, at an altitude of 2935m, where a narrow corridor opens to this magnificent valley. This is a wild atmospheric area and its vastness guarantees solitude and a wonderful ambience.
We will kil at the foot in the mythical slopes of the Aiguille Rouge (Valdez, Couloir de l'Équipe, Grandes Pentes), and will join the forest and the summer trail on the left bank to finish in Villaroger after more than 1750m of elevation.
*Crete des Lanchettes
Arete du Lanchettes sector
‘Skinning’ time : 1hr
Vertical climb: 300 metres
Downhill vertical drop: 900 metres
From the top of the Grand Col chairlift, we will join the shoulder of the Aiguille du Saint-Esprit to ski a wide western slope in the valley of the Mont-Pourri refuge. This will be followed by a short climb in skins towards the crest of Lanchettes.
The Lanchettes ridge is located at more than 2600m altitude and allows access to multiple routes including some couloirs. Its west/south-west facing slope can be skied in powder early in the winter and spring snow later on. This is a quiet area and lack of skier traffic in this sector guarantee solitude and great skiing!
The environment and the view are spectacular! The ridge overlooks the wide Col de la Chal and is one of the most beautiful views of the emblematic north face of the Bellecôte. The route will plunge towards the forests where a winding path leading to the bottom of the valley and the reward of a good traditional Savoyard restaurant! After lunch there are shuttles from Nancroix back to the lift system.
Inter-station skiing in La Rosiere and La Thuile in Italy
La Rosiere straddles the Italian border and has recently been equipped with two new chairlifts, allowing the discovery of fabulous routes both on the French and Italian sides of the border. It is a guarantee for a change of scenery, food, and a day of escape to other horizons.
The sectors of Mont Valezan, Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard, as well as the forests of La Thuile in Italy and their range of easily accessible routes offer mouth-watering options for off-piste and freerando skiers.