Icefalls in Haute Maurienne Vanoise

All winter long, discover ice falls at Haute Maurienne Vanoise, in the heart of the Alps. From Valfréjus, at the entrance to the valley, to the hamlet of l'Ecot, exceptional waterfalls are formed from December onwards, and some are accessible until March. Every year at the end of the season, the resorts of Bessans and Bonneval sur Arc host "Les rencontres de la dernière glace", a major event bringing together hundreds of ice climbers, both experienced and beginners. An unusual and spectacular activity accessible to all, even those who have never climbed or touched an ice axe.

Climbing on water

Helmet, ice axe, crampons, harness, rope: you're all set to climb over frozen water. An incredible sensation to discover at sites with evocative names: Indiana Jones, Glacenost, Châtel... some waterfalls can reach several hundred meters in height. Others are nestled in exceptional sites, like the Nant waterfall at the foot of the Esseillon forts.

This activity is accessible to all, even those who have never climbed before, thanks to professional guides and instructors and easy-to-access sites, such as the Barmettes waterfall in Bessans, right next to the biathlon stadium.

The special conditions at Haute Maurienne Vanoise, with glaciers dominating the valley and sheltered rock faces, even enable the valley to host the Rencontres de la dernière glace, an annual event in March that brings together hundreds of climbers to enjoy the last icefalls still forming in France at that time of year.