Le Vallon du Prariond

A medium length walk through gorges past grazing animals and leading towards a Col at 2,957m

featured in Hiking & walking routes Updated 27 April 2023

Escape into the realm of Ibex, Chamois and Marmots where the peace and tranquility will leave you wanting to stay the night at the nearby refuge.

The route starts near the bridge at the first hairpin of the Col de l'Iseran, after Val d'Isere.

It begins with a steep climb on a well laid out path overlooking an impressive gorge. Climbing a few hundred metres, the valley opens and you are greeted with a green lake, high mountains and tame Marmots. You will soon arrive at the Refuge du Prariond where you can stop for a coffee or lunch.

You can return to the car at this point or continue on towards the Col de la Lose with a 400m climb on a winding path up to a plateau, a little over 2,700m, where Ibex graze in the summer months. The path then forks, with the right fork heading towards Col de la Lose (2,957m) and Col de la Galise (2,987m). You can climb to either in similar time then once at the top you can look far into the Italian Valley de Cenesole. After taking in the view you follow the same path back to the car.

Always pay close attention the the weather as route finding can be difficult if the cloud comes in quickly.