Top 5 stunning views from Val d’Isère’s ski area

Take in the view!

Val d’Isère’s ski area may be famed for its variety of high-quality runs, but it is also renowned for its spectacular views over neighbouring summits. With a number of ski lifts accessible to pedestrians, the panoramas can be enjoyed by everybody, whether devouring the slopes in sports mode or feasting the eyes. Here are the 5 best spots for taking photos or simply taking five on a panoramic terrace:

Get to the Col de l’Iseran from the top of the Vallon gondola

Accessible to pedestrians and skiers via the Fornet cable car and the Vallon gondola lift, this is one of Val d’Isère’s unmissable viewing points. The moment you step off the gondola, Maurienne’s summits appear: the trapezoid-shaped peak is Albaron! Deckchairs and tables invite you take a break in the wilderness, with wide open landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see. Extend your visit with a walk to the buildings on the nearby legendary Col de l’Iseran, a little off the beaten track, with a 180° view over the summits.

A romantic photo at the Pissaillas Glacier

A romantic photo at the Pissaillas Glacier

The Pissaillas Glacier is an unmissable part of any trip to Val d’Isère! It’s the wildest sector on the ski area, with a raw, natural, high-mountain atmosphere.

And because the 3 ski lifts that go there are accessible to skiers and pedestrians (Fornet cable car, Vallon gondola lift and Cascade chairlift), everyone can enjoy exceptional views over the Pays Désert summits and untouched slopes.

At the top of the Cascade chairlift, a Val d’Isère heart makes the perfect backdrop for a beautiful photo, or perhaps a romantic couple’s souvenir!

Leissières Chairlift for rollercoaster thrills!

This is without a doubt the most Instagrammable lift in the ski area.

The one-of-a-kind chairlift spans a mountain crest: the moment you cross from one side to the other is a dizzying thrill providing uninterrupted views over the summits.

It is only accessible on skis, from the Iseran or Solaise sectors, but solely on blue runs, so you don’t have to be a champion skier to enjoy it!

Madeleine Viewpoint

You’ll find a new raised terrace at the top of the Madeleine chairlift: its picnic tables are the the perfect place to stop for a break overlooking the Manchet valley, as well as the Charvet and Sana peaks.

Accessible on skis, you can now also reach it on foot from the Manchet chairlift, via a path for experienced hikers (poles and crampons highly recommended). Don’t leave without a souvenir photo from this mountainside balcony!

Next, either speed down the Madeleine green run, or pedestrians can take the footpath around Lac de l’Ouillette: a full itinerary is available free of charge on the Val d’Isère Ski app!

Souvenir photo at the Giant Letters

On the Bellevarde sector, at the top of the Grand Pré chairlift, you’ll find the famous “Val d’Isère” red letters: the perfect spot for a souvenir photo, with the Vanoise National Park’s open landscapes unfurling in the background. For skiers only, it’s accessible via ultra-wide, easy green runs!

What about pedestrians? At the top of the Olympique cable car, a panoramic terrace with tables and binoculars invites you to take a break while gazing over the surrounding summits. Use the information boards to pinpoint La Grande Motte, La Grande Casse and La Sana.

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