Gorges du Malpasset & Prariond
Gorges du Malpasset – Refuge du Prariond
A classic family hike to the source of the Isère: through the gorge to open alpine meadows and a mountain hut, with marmots seen all along the way.
This trail starts from the Pont Saint-Charles car park above Le Fornet (beside the D902) and follows the upper Isère through the narrow Malpasset Gorge. In about an hour you reach the Refuge du Prariond at 2,324 metres, where the valley opens into wide meadows ringed by glaciers and snowy peaks, within Vanoise National Park. Marmots are often seen up close, and ibex occasionally. The round trip takes about 2 to 3 hours with roughly 300 metres of ascent, which suits families. Fitter walkers can continue to the glacier near the source of the Isère. The hut serves simple meals and offers overnight stays in summer. Note: there are some exposed sections in the gorge, and there may be leftover snow in early July.
Opening hours
Open all day (mountain hut open approx. mid-June to mid-September)
Nearby sights
- Col de l'Iseran
- Le Fornet
- Lac de la Sassière
- L'Écot
- Solaise & Lac de l'Ouillette
- Bonneval-sur-Arc
- Val d'Isère Village & Saint-Bernard Church
- Espace Killy (Val d'Isère–Tignes)