SKI OFF-PISTE COL-DES-FOURS

Off-Piste at Col des Fours (Val-d'Isere)

The off-piste route at Col des Fours in Val-d'Isere is one of the most iconic and well-known ski touring itineraries in the resort. It starts in the Fornet sector, between Haute-Maurienne and Haute-Tarentaise.
This off-piste excursion is designed for skiers who have mastered ski touring techniques, particularly kick turns. The ascent requires good physical condition, and the off-piste descent that follows will be well worth your effort. This tour to Col des Fours is a great example of freeride touring.
The ascent is quite accessible, starting from Pont de la Neige at 2,530 meters in altitude, a significant link between the two valleys.
Several slopes dominate this starting point. It is possible to ski them, particularly those descending from the Pluviometer, starting from the top of the Pissaillas sector, the highest point of Val-d'Isere’s ski lifts.

450 Meters of Ski Touring

Here we go for 450 meters of vertical ascent on skis to reach Col des Fours (2,976 m). The setting is truly stunning. After passing the first stage beneath Col de la Calabourdane (3,006 m), the second part of the climb comes into view. On the left, the Ouille de Tretetes (2,948 m) can be reached to make the most of the tour, skiing a beautiful northwest-facing slope before continuing toward Col des Fours.

Numerous Off-Piste Variants at Col des Fours

In Val-d'Isere, there are often an impressive number of variants for off-piste skiing, making it one of the must-visit spots for ski touring, as this tour proves once again.
The final part of the ascent involves a sometimes delicate traverse. However, an alternative route carrying skis on your backpack can be taken. The leader will choose the most suitable option to reach the summit.

The View from Col des Fours

Once at Col des Fours, the view of the surrounding peaks is breathtaking.

Off-Piste Skiing in Vallon des Fours

The off-piste descent into Vallon des Fours begins. This area offers a great variety of slopes and excellent snow quality. Its northwest exposure ensures cold snow late into the season.
The gentle slopes at the start gradually become steeper. Tracks intertwine, revealing new bowls. A true paradise for ski tourers. A stop at the Fond des Fours refuge (2,537 m) provides the opportunity to meet, depending on the season, the friendly caretakers. Then the descent continues. Sheltered bowls follow one another, once again allowing you to enjoy fantastic snow conditions.

The final section connects to the lower part of the Solaise massif and the off-piste route of Cugnaï, then leads into the Manchet valley.
Val-d'Isere is now close, and the Manchet chairlift provides one last opportunity to savor this descent while admiring the tracks left behind under Col des Fours, visible in the distance.

That’s also part of the joy of a great ski touring adventure—knowing you were up there, far from everything and everyone.