Alpine pastures and waterfalls of Valmorel

Start at the top station of the Altispace chairlift. Finish at the top station of the Pierrafort gondola lift. Information on timetables and fares for these two lifts can be found in the practical information section.

Unmarked route. Signposts in place.

(S) From the chairlift top station, take the wide alpine track heading south and pass a mountain bar-restaurant on your left. At the bottom, at the T-junction, follow the track to the left.

(1) At the junction, take the alpine track that climbs to the right. Cross a faint track and pass under the double ski lift lines. Then pass under a chairlift line and turn left (ignore the track starting on the right) and climb towards the upper station of the “Morel 2020” chairlift.

(2) Leave the station on your left and continue along the gently descending track. At a fork at a place called Riondet, take the track on the left towards the Col de la Madeleine. Follow the track as it climbs steadily and, on two occasions, fording a stream (note a waterfall on the left with a moderate flow but considerable height). The gradient steepens towards the end of the climb and, at a fork, follow the track on the left for a brief, steeper ascent (sign for “Sommet de la Madeleine” with a map).

(3) The first part of the descent follows the same route.

(2) Pass “Morel 2020” and continue to the junction of tracks near the top station of the Altispace chairlift.

(1) Then turn right and follow the stony track which descends steeply and passes under a chairlift line. Take a hairpin bend to the right, cross a stream (which may be dry depending on the season) and turn left.

(4) Shortly after this left-hand bend, where a clearly visible path joins from the left, leave the track and head right onto a flat area. Look out for a marker post at ground level and take the path—which isn’t visible from a distance—that starts here. You’ll reach a signpost marked ‘Les Cascades’.

(5) Turn right and reach the edge of the stream (spectacular waterfall on the right). Ford the stream before a steep climb and follow the stream up its right bank. Ford the stream again to reach the foot of the waterfall.

(6) Retrace your steps, quickly crossing the stream to return to the right bank. Cross the stream again after passing the steep slope on the left bank and continue descending.

(5) Directly opposite the signpost marked “Les cascades”, cross the stream again using a wooden footbridge. Follow the path climbing up opposite, walk a few metres with the stream on your left below you and arrive at another waterfall (much closer to the path than the first).

(7) Cross the stream and you will very quickly reach an alpine track. Follow the track to the right towards Pierrafort. Cross the Morel and climb steadily up to the top station of the cable car. At the foot of the station, go round it to the right to reach the pedestrian access point (E) allowing you to return to the resort by cable car.

Hiking boots required. Bring warm clothing and rainwear, as well as sun protection.

No drinking water sources identified along the route: bring your own supplies. A 1:25,000 map is required (at the very least the one accompanying this description).

The climb up the stream to the foot of the waterfall, between (5) and (6), is the only tricky section of this hike. There is no real path and you must tread carefully on the rocks at the edge of the stream: a minimum of caution is required. If the water is too high or if your footwear is unsuitable for this type of terrain, avoid this section (the waterfall can be seen clearly from the path (5)).

The route between (1) and (3) crosses mountain pastures used during the summer (milked cows and heifers). If you encounter a herd, dogs must be kept on a lead.

In summer 2016, the chairlift and gondola lift operated simultaneously from 08:30 to 16:45 on Mondays and Fridays. The pedestrian pass cost €9.10 per person and allowed you to ascend by chairlift and descend by gondola lift. Tickets were sold at the lower station.

Shorter alternatives:
Alpine pastures option – On the descent from the summit of La Madeleine (3), upon reaching the junction (1), turn left and head back up towards the clearly visible chairlift arrival station. Expect a descent of around 200m and a walking time reduced by 1 hour.
Waterfalls option – At the first junction (1), continue straight on along the descending track and follow the route leading to (4) and then to (E). Allow for approximately 275m of descent in both directions and a 1½-hour reduction in walking time.

Hike completed by the author on 29 July 2016.

Lovely alpine atmosphere.
Panoramic views of the neighbouring mountain ranges: Lauzière, Niélard and Cheval Noir, Beaufortin, Mont Blanc.
Waterfalls: between (2) and (3); at and at (7).