The best climbing spots

Whether you’re a climbing enthusiast or just an ambitious beginner, Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise, an unspoilt destination, offers you the mountains as a playground & inspiration.
Discover our selection of the best climbing spots, each as magnificent as the next, to help you plan your next mountain adventure, whatever your level or requirements.

Top 1Monal cliff

Top 2Falaise du Pré

Top 3Cliff on the Saissière plateau

1. The Monal cliff

The Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise climbing spot par excellence.

From the Monal cliff, you’ll enjoy incomparable views of the Mont Pourri and Dôme de la Sache glaciers, whatever your level.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, you’ll feel like you’re in paradise.

The cliff’s southern exposure makes it an ideal spot in autumn or spring.

Access

From Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise chef-lieu, continue towards Tignes. At Les Pigettes, just before the paravalanche, turn left and follow the road to the Chenal (parking required). To reach the cliff, allow 20 minutes via La Combaz.

Practice

For the approach, take the topo: Falaises et via Ferrata en Vanoise et Beaufortain (Philippe Deslandes and James Merel).

Route levels: 4c to 7b
Number of routes: 38
Site height: 15 to 35m
Starting altitude: 1800m

Access dates: 01/06 to 31/10, variable according to weather and site conditions.

Advice

Bring plenty of water to keep hydrated, as the cliff faces south and radiates a lot of heat.

Last water point at La Combaz on approach (from the start of the Chenal)

2. Falaise du Pré

The Crôt sector is ideal for climbers looking for an idyllic setting, with the soothing sound of the Sassière torrent running in the background.

It’s also an ideal spot for families, taking just 5 minutes to approach from the parking lot.

Access

The site is signposted from Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise. The parking lot is just outside the village of Le Pré, on the road from Mazure to Crôt.

Practice

For the approach, take the topo: Falaises et via Ferrata en Vanoise et Beaufortain (Philippe Deslandes and James Merel).

Starting altitude: 1550m
Climbing grades: 4c to 7C+.
Number of routes: 34
Site height: 15 – 30m

Advice

Bring enough water to keep hydrated, as the cliff faces south and radiates a lot of heat.
Following a landslide, the sector on the right is now closed to climbing.

3. Cliff on the Plateau de la Sassière

The Falaise du Plateau de la Sassière is an ideal spot for climbers looking for a quiet spot in the mountains.

However, just 15 minutes away, the Refuge du Ruitor offers the prospect of a typical Savoyard lunch or snack before returning to the climb with your energy full.

Access

On leaving the village, turn left towards the village of La Masure. Cross La Masure towards the Pierre Giret parking lot. (parking required). From here, continue on foot towards the Refuge du Ruitor and Lac du Petit.

Practice

For the approach: IGN TOP 25 Les Arcs-La Plagne map 3532 ET.

For the Plateau de la Sassière climbing site, take along the Topo: Falaises et via Ferrata en Vanoise et Beaufortain (Philippe Deslandes and James Merel).

Route levels (4c to 6c).

Advice

To enjoy this spot, we strongly recommend starting your activity early to limit the risks (thunderstorms). From the Pierre Giret parking lot, allow 1h for the approach or 15min from the Refuge du Ruitor.