A High-Mountain Glacier Adventure
The off-piste itinerary from Col Pers, starting on the Iseran glacier, is one of Val d’Isère’s wildest and most impressive lines—perfect for experienced skiers. This descent offers 1320 metres of vertical drop through glacial terrain, shaded north-facing slopes, and deep mountain gorges.
Remote and rarely tracked, Col Pers promises big mountain skiing for those with a passion for exploration and high-altitude powder. It demands a solid understanding of the terrain, proper avalanche safety equipment, and strong navigation skills.
👉 Discover our guided off-piste outings in Val d’Isère
Access from the Iseran Glacier
The route begins at the top of the Montet drag lift, at 3240 metres. To get there, you must first take the Glacier drag lift, perched on the Iseran glacier above Val d’Isère.
From the summit, traverse skiers’ right across the slope. This long traverse, often sun-exposed, leads you to Col Pers (also written Col Perse). Snowboarders, take note: this section can be tedious due to long flat stretches and tricky balance points.
The Suspended Bowl and Transition to Grand Torsaï
Stay centred in the glacial bowl for a steady descent down to around 2700m. Keep an eye to your left for sloped terrain offering an escape route.
Traverse across to access this gentler terrain, then drop fully north into the Grand Torsaï sector—a vast, wide expanse of untracked powder and mellow pitches. This is where the descent truly opens up, offering a sense of freedom and solitude.
With panoramic views, crisp glacial air, and consistent north-facing snow, the Col Pers descent provides a unique alpine experience.
👉 Book a guided freeride session with Snocool Val d’Isère
Final Section: Sainte-Charles Bridge or the Malpasset Gorge
As you continue down the valley, the natural route leads to Pont Sainte-Charles (1920m), just above Le Fornet village. This is the most common and safest endpoint. From here, you can easily return to the Fornet cable car.
Some adventurous skiers attempt to push further down through Malpasset Gorge. This section is extremely committing and can become dangerous or impassable depending on snow and ice conditions. Always check with ski patrol before considering this exit.
Technical Information
- Start: Montet drag lift – 3240m
- Finish: Sainte-Charles Bridge or Le Fornet – 1920m
- Total vertical drop: 1320m
- Exposure: North and northwest
- Duration: 1h30 to 2h depending on conditions
- Skilllevel: Intermediate to advanced
- Terrain: Glacier, traverses, committing slopes
Who Is This Route For?
The Col Pers descent is only suitable for experienced off-piste skiers who are comfortable with:
- Long traverses and physical effort
- Glacier terrain and narrow gullies
- Navigating changing snow conditions and poor visibility
- Avalanche risk awareness and response
Due to the numerous traverses and flats, this route is not recommended for snowboarders—it can break your rhythm and drain your energy.
👉 Looking for something smoother? Try our Col du Granier descent in Sainte-Foy.
Safety Equipment and Recommendations
Before setting out on this adventure:
- Always consult the Avalanche Bulletin (BERA)
- Carry full avalanche safety gear: transceiver (DVA), probe, shovel and airbag.
- Go with a Snocool qualified mountain guide or Snocool instructor
- Use a GPS track if unfamiliar with the area
- Never ski alone
👉 Want to learn about off-piste safety? Try our private freeride coaching.
Want More Big Mountain Lines?
If Col Pers gets your adrenaline going, don’t miss these other advanced routes:
