Backcountry

The Espace Killy Off Piste is made of two major areas. Val d’Isère, which is itself divided into five areas, or ‘massifs’: Bellevard, Solaise, Fornet, Pissaillas, and La Daille. And Tignes, where you’ll find the main areas are located above Val Claret, on the Grande Motte, at Le Lavachet, and at Les Brevieres.

Although heli-skiing is banned in France, it is permitted to fly skiers and boarders back from remote areas once they have reached the bottom of the heli-skiing runs (particularly if there is no other way out) or, in some cases from neighbouring valleys. You can, for example, trudge up to the Col de L’Oille Noire (3,284m) above Le Fornet, and ski a couloir called Ouille des Reys and continue all the way down to the Maurienne Valley, where you can get a helicopter to return you to the slopes of Val d’Isère.

Depending on conditions some descents may be dangerous. Take a guide or instructor – even in good conditions it’s worth it, even if it’s only to find the best runs. We can strongly recommend Henry at HAT feel free to contact us if you would like us to book you a guide.

One of our favourite Off Piste runs is La Vallee Perdue (the Lost Valley). From near the bottom of Tommeuses down into La Daille you can ride down a narrow canyon with tall rock walls to either side. It feels like you are in a James Bond movie but the riding is fairly easy for any intermediate skiier or boarder. There is even a section where you have to crawl through a small cave (depending on the depth of the snow).

Although this route is easily accessible, be aware of avalanche conditions to avoid danger. Being in a gully leaves you extremely vulnerable!

More information on some of the other off piste runs in the area. Please note that we did not write this article and do not take responsibility for those who choose to follow the routes. When riding off piste we always ride with experienced guides. We can recommend you speak to Henry at HAT before riding off piste.

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