VAL D’ISÈRE, FRANCE (6 June 2025) — One of Europe’s most iconic alpine destinations is welcoming back summer skiers as Val d’Isère reopens the Pisaillas Glacier this weekend. Starting Saturday, June 7, the high-altitude ski area will offer rare summer access to glacial slopes sitting above 3,000 meters (10,000 feet), continuing through Sunday, July 6.
Nestled in the French Alps and surrounded by the dramatic scenery of Vanoise National Park, the Pisaillas Glacier is reachable only via the Col de l’Iseran—the highest paved mountain pass in Europe. The pass, which is typically closed in winter, will reopen to vehicles from Friday, June 6, at 4:00 p.m., allowing access from both the Val d’Isère and Bonneval-sur-Arc sides.
The glacier provides a unique experience for skiers, cyclists, and motorcyclists during the summer season. The ski area stretches between 2,725 and 3,300 meters (about 8,940 to 10,827 feet) and features three public ski runs: Combe du Géant, Montets, and Moraine. Four additional slopes—Pisaillas, Roche, Champions, and Aiguille-Perse—are reserved for training by clubs and teams.
To reach the slopes, visitors can use the Cascade chairlift at the glacier’s base and the Montets surface lift, which rises to 3,197 meters (10,489 feet), the highest point for skiing in Val d’Isère.
At the base of the ski area, a ski pass office and the Cascade Restaurant serve visitors near the lower lift station and parking area. The glacier operates daily from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., though all activities depend on weather and road conditions, which can change quickly in the mountains. Travelers are advised to check the official Val d’Isère website for updates before making the journey.
For four weeks each summer, Val d’Isère offers a rare combination of sunshine and snow, giving skiers the chance to experience crisp, glacial runs framed by the peace and panoramic beauty of the high Alps.